West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta faces charges from the FA for four alleged betting violations.
The accusations pertain to four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023: against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
It is claimed that the Brazilian intentionally got yellow cards from the referee in these matches to influence the betting market, allowing “one or more individuals to profit.”
“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months, I have cooperated fully at every stage of their investigation and provided all the information I could. I completely deny the allegations and will fight tooth and nail to clear my name. Due to the ongoing process, I will not make any further comments,” Paqueta wrote on his social media.
Paqueta has until June 3, 2024, to appeal unless an extension is requested before that date. The FA stated it would not comment further on the allegations until the case is concluded.
Earlier this year, Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali was also banned for misconduct related to betting rules. He received a two-month suspension, a $25,000 fine, and a warning.
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