West Ham's Lucas Paquetá charged with breaking betting rules | OneFootball

West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly breaching betting rules, with the player expressing surprise at the decision in a statement on Thursday.

The FA had earlier confirmed the charges in a statement of their own which read: “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.”

Paquetá then released a response, denying the charges and vowing to clear his name.

Paquetá has been under investigation for almost nine months regarding suspicious betting activity surrounding three bookings the Brazil international received last year.

The suspicious bets have been traced to Paquetá Island, off the coast of Rio de Janiero, but the player has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of the bets that were placed.

However, after being interviewed by the FA last September and giving them access to his phone, the 26-year-old could now face disciplinary action.

His case will be heard by an independent commission and if found guilty he could face a ban, although he has not been accused of placing any bets himself.

Paquetá joined the Hammers from Lyon in 2022, and has been linked with a move to Manchester City since last summer.

The FA have given him until 3 June 2024 to respond to the charges.