Lucas Paqueta Faces FA Charges for Alleged Betting Rule Breaches
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) with four violations of its betting regulations. These alleged breaches are tied to his actions in four specific Premier League matches.
The fixtures in question include West Ham’s games against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
It is alleged that the Brazilian international attempted to get booked by the referee during these matches to influence the sports betting market. The FA alleges Paqueta’s actions enabled “one or more persons to profit from betting.”
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110% Welcome Bonus Up to ₦50.000Responding to these allegations, Paqueta took to his social media platforms to express shock and disappointment, vehemently denying the charges.
He stated, “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.”
The FA has given Lucas Paqueta until June 3, 2024, to respond to the charges. However, the player can request an extension. The FA has also indicated it will not make any further comments on the matter until the case is resolved.
This development comes in the wake of a similar incident involving Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. Tonali was also recently sanctioned for breaching the FA’s betting rules. The Italian received a suspended two-month suspension, a £20,000 ($25,427.10) fine, and a formal warning.
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