In 2024, Paquetá had already been disqualified from the Brazilian national team after the opening of an investigation into possible betting on football matches. Paquetá was accused in May 2024 of violating betting rules by allegedly influencing the progress of four Premier League matches to benefit sports bets.
The games under investigation involve clashes against Leicester City in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds United in May 2023, and Bournemouth in August of the same year.
The FA alleges that the player would have "intentionally sought to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of influencing the betting market, allowing one or more persons to profit from it." In addition, Paquetá was also accused of breaching an entity rule by failing to provide information and documents.
In an official statement when the charges were formalized, the Brazilian player denied any involvement in irregularities: "I am extremely surprised and upset by the FA's decision to charge me. For nine months, I have collaborated with all stages of the investigation and provided all possible information. I categorically deny all accusations and will fight with all my strength to clear my name. Due to the progress of the process, I will not be making any further comments on the case."
Neither the FA nor West Ham have made any official statements about the case since the Sky Sports News report was published. Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol stressed that Paquetá is determined to prove his innocence: "He believes he has done nothing wrong and will not rest until he has cleared his name. There is talk of a possible lifetime ban, but that is beyond his control. For him, the issue is clear: he has never bet on football matches."
Lucas Paquetá's trial promises to be one of the longest in the FA's history.
Source: GMB / ESPN
