West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been charged with breaching Football Association betting rules.
The Brazilian midfielder has responded to the verdict, insisting he has done nothing wrong, and has vowed to ‘fight with every breath to clear my name’.
Paqueta came under investigation by the FA after potential breaches of gambling rules, which first emerged in August 2023.
English football chiefs have now decided that Paqueta will be charged, though a punishment is yet to be dished out.
A statement was released by the governing body, which reads: “West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
“It’s alleged that he 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.
“Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.
“The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline.”
Paqueta quickly responded to the verdict, saying he denies all the charges ‘in their entirety’.
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“I am extremely surprised and upset that The FA has decided to charge me,” the Hammers star posted across his social media accounts.
“For nine months I have cooperated with every step of their investigations and provided all the information I can.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.
“Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment.”
West Ham have also vowed to stick by their player on a busy day for the club after they announced David Moyes’ successor.
“The club acknowledges receipt of the FA charge received by Lucas Paqueta for alleged breaches of their rules,” a spokesperson said.
“Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue to robustly 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.”