Lucas Paqueta, a midfielder for West Ham United, has been hit with four charges of betting rule violations by the Football Association (FA).
These infractions stem from his actions during four Premier League matches for West Ham United: 21 May 2023 vs. Leeds United, 12 August 2023 vs. AFC Bournemouth, and 12 November 2022 vs. Leicester City.
Allegedly, the Brazilian international sought to have the referee book him in these matches in order to influence the betting market so that "one or more persons to profit from betting."
"I am very surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me," Paqueta wrote in a social media message in response to the news. Throughout their nine-month inquiry, I have been completely cooperative and have given them all the information I can.
With all my may, I will battle to clear my name, and I vehemently reject the accusations. I will refrain from offering any additional commentary at this time because the process is underway.
The FA has stated that they will not make any additional comments regarding these charges until the issue is resolved, and Paqueta has been given until 3 June 2024 to respond to these charges, unless an extension is requested.
This follows Sandro Tonali's punishment for infractions of the FA's betting regulations, which included a warning, a fine of £20,000 ($25,427.10), and a suspended two-month suspension for the Newcastle midfielder.
