West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) for allegedly deliberately getting booked to influence the betting market. Paqueta categorically denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to defend his position robustly.
In an FA statement, the governing body alleged that 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 responded on social media, stating, “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”
The four alleged breaches involve Paqueta’s conduct in West Ham’s Premier League fixtures 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.
If proven, Paqueta could face a lengthy ban, as exemplified by past cases. For instance, non-league defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for spot-fixing, and Lincoln City’s Bradley Wood received a six-year ban for a similar offence.
The severity of Paqueta’s punishment could be influenced by aggravating or mitigating factors such as compliance with authorities or the extent of the betting scheme.
West Ham could potentially sue Paqueta to recover financial losses if they deem his actions a gross breach of contract. This could include recouping transfer earnings, particularly as Manchester City had shown interest in Paqueta last summer.
Paqueta’s involvement in the Copa America with Brazil is also in jeopardy. The Brazilian midfielder, an important player for his national team, may be left out of the squad pending the FA’s final decision.
The FA has not yet set a date for the hearing, and Paqueta has until June 3 to respond to the charges, a deadline that can be extended.
