West Ham’s Brazilian midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, is suspected of having sought “intentionally to receive a card from the referee” on several occasions over the last two seasons to direct sports bets, the English federation said on Thursday. The FA cites four matches in the English championship where the behavior of the ex-Lyonnais appears suspicious: against Leicester on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds in May 2023 and Bournemouth in August 2023.
“It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the course, conduct or any other aspect or event of these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee with the improper aim of affecting the betting market so that “one or more people benefit from betting,” wrote the federation. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder “has until June 3, 2024 to respond to these accusations,” it is further specified.
According to The Daily Mail, the federal investigation was launched after suspicious bets surrounding the card received against Bournemouth (1-1), in added time of this first match of the 2023-2024 season. He was reportedly questioned in September and given access to his phone the following month, according to the newspaper.
Paqueta proclaimed his innocence on Instagram. “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA have decided to charge me. For nine months, I cooperated at every stage of the investigation and provided all possible information. I deny all accusations in their entirety and will fight with all my might to clear my name.”
The Brazilian “categorically denies the offense and will continue to vigorously defend his position,” West Ham responded. “The club will continue to support the player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded.”