Lucas Paqueta could be in a whole lot more trouble than Sandro Tonali | OneFootball

Lucas Paqueta could be in serious trouble.

The  West Ham United midfielder having been charged by The FA with alleged betting breaches.

This of course follows two other very high profile cases involving Premier League players.

Ivan Toney received an eight month ban and a fine for betting on football matches, the Brentford striker returning to action earlier this year.

Sandro Tonali was banned for ten months by the Italian FA for betting on football matches whilst playing in Serie A. Then getting an additional two months ban from the English FA for continuing to gamble in the early weeks of the 2023/24 season, but that extra two months was a suspended sentence, that will only become active if he commits further breaches.

The Newcastle United midfielder set to be able to play again at the end of August 2024 when his ten months are up.

However, Lucas Paqueta could be in far worse trouble than this pair.

Both The Times and The Guardian reporting that potentially this could end up as a lifetime ban for Bruno Guimaraes’ big mate.

The nature of the Lucas Paqueta accusations could lead to a far harsher punishment as he is accused of deliberately getting booked in four separate Premier League games.

Thus, potentially manipulating the game for betting purposes, which The FA consider a far more serious offence.

As BBC Sport report (see below): ‘In 2022 Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for his part in spot-fixing during an FA Cup tie in which it was alleged he deliberately got booked as part of a betting scheme with friends.’

Lucas Paqueta turns 27 in August, so if receiving a ten year ban, it would effective be a lifetime one as a football player.

‘West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly getting booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.

The four charges relate to a Premier League game against Leicester City on 12 November in 2022, plus 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on 12 March, Leeds United on 21 May and Bournemouth on 12 August.

The 26-year-old Brazil international had been under investigation since last summer over 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 also been charged with “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2”, which relates to providing information and documents.

The charges came on the same day the Hammers confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach following the departure of David Moyes.

A West Ham statement said: “The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process.”

Paqueta, who has been picked in Brazil’s squad for the Copa America next month, has until 3 June to respond to the charge of “misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3” subject to any request for an extension.

While this case will be dealt with on its own merits, Paqueta could be facing a lengthy ban if a breach is proven.