Lucas Paqueta charged by FA over alleged betting offences
- Paqueta charged for allegedly seeking intentional bookings
- Brazilian midfielder has until June 3 to respond to allegations
- West Ham midfielder one of the club's most important players
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged with four breaches of misconduct for alleged betting offences.
The Brazil international had emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City but the reigning champions cooled their interest when it emerged in August he was being investigated by FIFA and the FA, though the player's camp was said to be 'mystified and shocked'.
He has also charged on two counts for failing to comply with the investigation.
A statement from the FA reads: "West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta has been charged with 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 fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
"It's alleged that he 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.
"Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.
"The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline.
"The FA will be making no further comment until the conclusion of this case."
Responding to the charges, Paqueta posted on X: "I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me.
"For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. 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 providing any further comment."
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