Premier League footballer Lucas Paquetá charged with spot-fixing
24th May 2024 7:37 am GMTEngland’s Football Association (FA) has charged West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá for alleged betting breaches.
The 26 year old Brazilian international has been under investigation since last summer and has now 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.
The FA alleges that he directly sought to influence these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a yellow 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 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 3 June to provide a response to the charges, subject to any request for an extension to this deadline.
“I am extremely surprised and upset that The FA has decided to charge me,” said Paquetá on Instagram. “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.”
West Ham said in a statement: “The club acknowledges receipt of the FA charge received by Lucas Paquetá for alleged breaches of their rules, Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue to robustly defend his position.
“The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded.”
Paquetá joined West Ham from Lyon in August 2022.