“It is alleged that he sought to directly influence the progress, conduct or any other aspect or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee with the improper purpose of affecting the market so that one or more persons profit from betting,” says the federation’s statement.
Lucas Paquetá is charged with four breaches for "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."
The West Ham player will have until June 3rd to officially present his defense. The Brazilian denied the accusations in a post on social media.
"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. I will not be providing any further comment," stated former Flamengo’s player on X (ex-Twitter)
West Ham also made an official statement. The London club stated that it will continue to defend the midfielder: “The club confirms receipt of the FA's complaint against Lucas Paquetá for alleged violations of the rules. Lucas categorically denies these violations and will continue to defend his position robustly. The club will continue to support the player throughout the process. And will not comment further until the matter is concluded.”
Complaint in August 2023
After ESPN reported in Aug. 2023, that the FA was investigating Paquetá for potentially breaching betting rules, he continued to play for West Ham during the 2023-24 Premier League season and represented Brazil during two friendly matches in March. Earlier this month, he was named to Brazil's roster for next month's Copa América.
According to the FA, the breaches are related to four matches over his first two seasons with West Ham: Nov. 12, 2022 vs. Leicester City; March 12, 2023 vs. Aston Villa; May 21, 2023 vs. Leeds United; and Aug. 12, 2023 vs. Bournemouth.
The investigation process began with an unusual volume of matched bets on two games played on the same day, one in the English Championship, the other in the Spanish Championship. The matched bet predicted that Lucas Paquetá would receive a yellow card in the game between West Ham and Aston Villa, in the Premier League, and that Luiz Henrique (currently at Botafogo) would be cautioned with a yellow card in the match between Real Betis (his team) and Villarreal. Both players took the cards.
Withdrawn from national team last year
The news of the investigation, at the time, caused Paquetá to be removed from Fernando Diniz's first call-up to the Brazilian team, hours before the list was announced. The coach chose to leave the midfielder out of the following squads, claiming the player's "preservation." However, Dorival Júnior, who succeeded Diniz in command of the Seleção, recalled Paquetá - who played in the friendlies against Spain and England, in March, and was also called up for the Copa América.
The emergence of information about the investigation hindered the midfielder's transfer to Manchester City. At the request of Pep Guardiola, City had made an official offer to West Ham of 70 million pounds in the summer transfer window of last year. However, the deal was paralyzed due to uncertainties due to the investigative process. Afterwards, the club ended up signing Brazilian-born Portuguese Matheus Nunes. According to the English press, City were thinking about renewing their interest in Paquetá depending on how the process unfolds.
In England, supervision against footballers' involvement in sports betting is strong, and the issue raises great concern. Athletes are prohibited from placing bets, whether or not they are involved in the games being bet on. The English league approved the removal of bookmaker sponsorships from the front of team shirts. Clubs will have until the end of the 2025/26 season to do this.
Source: GE / GMB
