Aoba Tanaka 
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for allegedly intentionally receiving yellow cards to influence the betting market. The charges relate to four Premier League matches: 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.
Lucas Paqueta, a 26-year-old Brazil international, has been under investigation since last summer following suspicious betting patterns. The FA’s statement alleges that Paqueta sought to influence the progress and conduct of these matches for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market, allowing one or more persons to profit from betting.
The FA said, “It’s alleged that he [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.”
Lucas Paqueta, who joined West Ham from Lyon for £36.5 million in August 2022, expressed his shock and disappointment over the charges. “I am extremely surprised and upset by the charges. For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny all the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name,” he stated.
In addition to the primary charges, Paqueta faces two breaches of FA Rule F3 for allegedly failing to comply with FA Rule F2, which pertains to providing information and documents.
The charges were announced on the same day West Ham confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach, following the departure of David Moyes. The club has pledged its support for Paqueta throughout the process, saying, “The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process.”
Paqueta, who has been selected for Brazil’s squad for the upcoming Copa America, has until June 3 to respond to the charges of “misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3,” unless he requests an extension.
The outcome of this case could significantly impact Paqueta’s career. If a breach is proven, he could face a lengthy ban, similar to the 10-year ban given to Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac in 2022 for his involvement in spot-fixing during an FA Cup tie.
As this investigation unfolds, the football community will be watching closely, as the implications of these charges extend beyond Paqueta to the integrity of the sport itself.
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