West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly receiving a deliberate booking to influence the betting market.
The four charges are connected to a Premier League match against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, as well as fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, Leeds United on May 21, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
The 26-year-old Brazil international was under investigation since last summer due to suspicious betting patterns.
An FA statement said: “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, who joined West Ham from Lyon for an initial £36.5m in August 2022, said he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the charges.
“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,” he added.
Paqueta has been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 for alleged failures to comply with providing information and documents under FA Rule F2.
The charges came on the same day the Hammers confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach after David Moyes left.
A West Ham statement said: “The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process.”
Paqueta, selected for Brazil’s Copa America squad, must respond to a charge of “misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3” by 3 June, with the possibility of an extension.
If proven, Paqueta could receive a lengthy ban for the case, which will be dealt with on its own merits.
Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years in 2022 for his involvement in spot-fixing during an FA Cup game. It was alleged that he intentionally received a booking as part of a betting scheme with friends.
The games FA charges relate to
West Ham 0-2 Leicester – 12 November 2022
Paqueta booked for a ‘lunge’ on Leicester midfielder Boubakary Soumare in the 60th minute.
He is booked at 1-0 and the match finishes 2-0 to Leicester.
West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa – 12 March 2023
Paqueta booked for what is described as a ‘lunging challenge’ on John McGinn in the 70th minute, with the score at 1-1.
West Ham 3-1 Leeds United – 21 May 2023
Paqueta is booked for pulling back Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville on the counter-attack in the 65th minute.
It happens at 1-1, with West Ham going on to win 3-1.
West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth – 12 August 2023
In the opening game of this season, Paqueta is booked for handball in the 94th minute, with the match finishing 1-1.
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