Lucas Paqueta charged by FA for allegedly ‘intentionally seeking to receive a card’

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the Soccer Affiliation for allegedly getting booked intentionally “for the improper goal of affecting the betting market”.

The 4 prices relate to a Premier League recreation in opposition to Leicester Metropolis on 12 November in 2022, plus 2023 fixtures in opposition to Aston Villa on 12 March, Leeds United on 21 Could and Bournemouth on 12 August.

The 26-year-old Brazil worldwide had been underneath investigation since final summer season over suspicious betting patterns.

An FA assertion mentioned: “It is alleged that he [Paqueta] straight sought to affect the progress, conduct, or some other facet of, or prevalence in these matches by deliberately looking for to obtain a card from the referee for the improper goal of affecting the betting market to ensure that a number of individuals to revenue from betting.”

Paqueta, who joined West Ham from Lyon for an preliminary £36.5m in August 2022, mentioned he was “extraordinarily stunned and upset” by the fees.

“For 9 months, I’ve co-operated with each step of their investigation and supplied all the knowledge I can. I deny all the fees of their entirety and can battle with each breath to clear my title,” he added.

Paqueta has additionally been charged with “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to conform pursuant to FA Rule F2”, which pertains to offering info and paperwork.

The fees got here on the identical day the Hammers confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach following the departure of David Moyes.

A West Ham assertion mentioned: “The membership will proceed to face by and help the participant all through the method.”

Paqueta, who has been picked in Brazil’s squad for the Copa America subsequent month, has till 3 June to answer the cost of “misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Guidelines E5 and F3” topic to any request for an extension.

Whereas this case will likely be handled by itself deserves, Paqueta could possibly be going through a prolonged ban if a breach is confirmed.

In 2022 Stratford City defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for his half in spot-fixing throughout an FA Cup tie wherein it was alleged he intentionally bought booked as a part of a betting scheme with buddies.