West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been officially charged by the Football Association for allegedly receiving yellow cards intentionally, purportedly to influence betting markets.
The 26-year-old Brazilian international, who transferred from Lyon to West Ham for £36.5m in August 2022, has been under scrutiny since last summer due to unusual betting activities surrounding these matches.
An FA statement disclosed, “It’s alleged that he [Paqueta] directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.”
Paqueta expressed his surprise and dismay, stating, “For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny all the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”
Additionally, Paqueta faces charges of “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2,” relating to providing information and documents.
The announcement of the charges coincided with West Ham’s confirmation of Julen Lopetegui’s appointment as their new head coach following David Moyes’ departure. The club pledged its support for Paqueta, stating, “The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process.”
Paqueta, named in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming Copa America, has until June 3 to respond to the charge of “misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3,” subject to any extension requests.
If found guilty, Paqueta could potentially face a substantial ban. In a similar case in 2022, Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac received a 10-year ban for his involvement in spot-fixing during an FA Cup tie.
The specific incidents in question during the matches are as follows:
1.West Ham 0-2 Leicester – November 12, 2022:
Paqueta booked for a challenge on Leicester midfielder Boubakary Soumare in the 60th minute.
2.West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa – March 12, 2023:
Paqueta booked for a challenge on John McGinn in the 70th minute.
3.West Ham 3-1 Leeds United – May 21, 2023:
Paqueta booked for a foul on Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville in the 65th minute.
4.West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth – August 12, 2023:
Paqueta booked for handball in the 94th minute.
