Lucas Paqueta in Hot Water for Betting Breaches

West Ham United midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, has been charged for alleged breaches of betting regulations in four matches.

The Football Association (FA) laid down the charges against the 26-year-old Brazil international on Thursday, 23 May, after investigating him for nearly a year.

“It’s alleged that [Paqueta] directly sought 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,” the FA said in a statement released on the same day.

The charges relate to four English Premier League games which took place between November 2022 – just a few months after Paqueta joined the Hammers – up to August the following year.

Paqueta was quick to deny the accusations: “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” the football player said via X, formerly known as Twitter.

“For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can,” he added before announcing that he intends to fight the charges.

If found guilty, Paqueta could face repercussions that range from a six-month suspension to a lifetime ban.

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