Lucas Paqueta, West Ham United’s midfielder, has responded to recent reports concerning charges brought against him by the FA for breaching betting rules. Paqueta was charged in May with four alleged offences related to FA betting regulations. Specifically, the accusations suggest that he attempted to influence aspects of matches to impact the betting market for profit.
According to the FA, “West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.”
The FA’s statement alleges that Paqueta tried “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.” He has until June 3, 2024, to respond to these charges, although he may request an extension.
Lucas Paqueta has expressed his frustration and concern regarding reports about his case that he considers misleading. He has also taken legal action to address these concerns.
Lucas Paqueta said, “I am frustrated and upset to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case. Some of the information is entirely false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case. The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential, and they are extremely serious for me and my family. The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing. I have, therefore, instructed my lawyers to write to the FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain. I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence.”
