- Lucas Paquetá faces career-threatening allegations of intentional bookings
- Accused of violating betting regulations in four matches from 2022-2023
- West Ham and Paquetá deny charges, pledging full cooperation and defense
West Ham is deeply concerned about the potential ramifications for Lucas Paquetá’s career if he is found guilty of intentionally receiving a booking. The midfielder has been accused by the Football Association of violating betting regulations, a charge that, if proven, could lead to the termination of his career.
The allegations against Paquetá, which are of a grave nature, involve him intentionally receiving yellow cards in matches against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth in 2022 and 2023. The FA, in a statement, has raised suspicions that the Brazil international was directly attempting to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market for one or more persons to profit from the booking.
On the same day that West Ham announced Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach, Paquetá was charged. Paquetá denied any wrongdoing and knew about the suspicious bets, which had been traced to Paquetá Island, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
Paquetá expressed his shock and disappointment on Instagram regarding the FA’s decision to sanction him. “I have provided all the information I can and have cooperated with their investigation for nine months.” I vehemently deny the allegations and will fight to clear my identity.
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West Ham stated, “Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue vigorously defending his position.” The club will unwaveringly support and assist the player throughout the entire procedure.
Paquetá has also been charged with two violations of FA rule F3, namely, alleged failures to comply with FA rule F2, which pertains to providing information and documents. The FA interviewed Paquetá in September of last year, and the following month, he granted them access to his phone.
Paquetá is required to respond to the allegations by June 3 unless an extension is requested. Manchester City’s pursuit of West Ham’s £51m record acquisition was terminated by the investigation disclosed last summer.
Paquetá was once again a target for City this summer and possesses an £85m release clause. However, it is now improbable that he will be sold.
