Lucas Paqueta has slammed recent reports concerning his Football Association betting charge as “entirely false”. The West Ham midfielder has called on the FA to launch a probe into alleged ‘leaks’ regarding his case.
Paqueta was charged by the governing body in May after being accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”. The 27-year-old denies the charges and says he is hoping to demonstrate his innocence.
In a statement published on his social media profiles, the Brazilian wrote: “I am frustrated and upset to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case.
“Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position. I am also concerned that, although they are false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case.
“The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential, and they are extremely serious for me and my family.
“The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving fair hearing, I have, therefore, instructed my lawyers to write to The FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain.
“I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence.“
Paqueta was charged following a lengthy investigation into four separate alleged offences. They relate to a Premier League game against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, plus 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, Leeds United on May 21 and Bournemouth on August 12.
An FA statement issued at the time of the charge read: “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.”
Paqueta said at the time: “For nine months, I have co-operated 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.”
The former Lyon playmaker, who was signed by West Ham for £36.5m in 2022, was also charged with “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2”, which relates to providing information and documents.
