Lucas Paqueta accused of breaching betting rules as West Ham star vows to fight FA to clear his name
West Ham star Lucas Paquetá has been accused of breaching the Football Association's betting rules.
The Brazilian midfielder reacted to the verdict by insisting he had done nothing wrong and vowed to “fight with every breath to clear my name.”
package was investigated by the FA after possible violations of the rules of the game, which first emerged in August 2023.
English football bosses have now decided that Paquetá will be charged, although no punishment has yet been handed down.
The governing body issued a statement saying: “West Ham United Lucas Paqueta has been accused of misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA rules E5 and F3.
“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club's Premier League matches against city of leicester November 12, 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United May 21, 2023; and the AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
“It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct or any other aspect or occurrence of these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee with the improper purpose of affecting the betting market so that one or more persons to benefit from the bets.
“Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged breaches of FA Rule F2.
“The player has until June 3, 2024 to respond to these charges, subject to any request to extend this deadline.”
Paqueta quickly responded to the verdict and said he denies all charges “in their entirety.”
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“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA have decided to charge me,” the Hammers star posted on his social media accounts.
“For nine months I have cooperated at every step of their investigations and provided all the information I could.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.
“Due to the ongoing process, I will not be commenting further.”
