Charles Jackson
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been charged with four significant breaches of the English Football Association’s (FA) gambling rules, with the governing body alleging he deliberately tried to receive yellow cards in Premier League games.
The FA alleges that Paquetá deliberately tried to receive a yellow card in four matches: Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
A statement from the government body said: “It is alleged that [Paqueta] sought to directly influence the progress, conduct or any other aspect or occurrence in these games by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market, so that one or more persons would profit from betting.”
Paquetá was not accused of placing bets. The FA also charged the player with two breaches of rule F3, which relates to the investigations it carries out.
Paquetá denies the allegations, which were made following an investigation that first came to light in August last year, sparked by suspicious betting patterns during West Ham’s opening game of the season against Bournemouth, where the 26-year-old received a yellow card in the opening game of the season. 93 minutes for a clash with Illia Zabarnyi.
“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA decided to charge me,” Paquetá said. “For nine months, I cooperated with every step of the investigation and provided all the information I could. I deny all allegations and will fight hard to clear my name. Due to the ongoing lawsuit, I will not be providing any additional comment.”
Premier League
Other incidents involving Paquetá include a late tackle on the back of Boubakary Soumare in Leicester’s 2-0 win at the London Stadium and a foul from behind on John McGinn in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, a match in which comments In the Premier League, the team noted that the playmaker may have previously received a yellow card for a tackle on Ollie Watkins. He was also accused of a heavy tackle on Cryscencio Summerville when the winger tried to initiate a break in a game against Leeds.
“The player has until 3 June 2024 to respond to these allegations, subject to any request for an extension of this deadline,” the FA stated.
His club, West Ham, stated the following:
“The club acknowledges receipt of the FA indictment received by Lucas Paquetá for alleged breaches of its rules,” said a West Ham spokesperson. “Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue to vigorously 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.”
News of the investigation last summer led to the collapse of Paquetá’s proposed £80m transfer from West Ham to Manchester City, the deal having been agreed in principle between the two clubs in August. The Premier League champions have been linked with a revival of interest this summer, but that now looks unlikely until the allegations are resolved.
Paquetá was also called up to Brazil’s Copa América squad this summer.
