West Ham's midfielder Lucas Paqueta faces charges from the Football Association (FA) for allegedly deliberately receiving yellow cards to influence betting markets. The charges stem from 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.
The FA alleges that Paqueta intentionally sought bookings to manipulate betting markets, affecting the outcome of matches. Paqueta, a 26-year-old Brazil international, joined West Ham from Lyon for £36.5m in August 2022. He expressed surprise and dismay at the charges, denying them vehemently and vowing to contest them.
Additionally, Paqueta faces charges of breaching FA Rule F3 regarding failure to comply with providing information and documents. West Ham has affirmed its support for the player throughout the process. The announcement coincided with the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as the club's new head coach following David Moyes's departure.
Paqueta, selected for Brazil's Copa America squad, must respond to the charges by June 3, with a potential lengthy ban if found guilty. The case recalls the 2022 ban of Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac for his involvement in spot-fixing during an FA Cup match.
West Ham's midfielder Lucas Paqueta faces charges from the Football Association (FA) for allegedly deliberately receiving yellow cards to influence betting markets. The charges stem from four Premier League matches:
1. West Ham 0-2 Leicester - November 12, 2022:
Paqueta was booked for a challenge on Boubakary Soumare in the 60th minute.
2. West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa - March 12, 2023:
Paqueta received a yellow card for a tackle on John McGinn in the 70th minute.
3. West Ham 3-1 Leeds United - May 21, 2023:
Paqueta was booked for a foul on Crysencio Summerville in the 65th minute.
4. West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth - August 12, 2023:
Paqueta received a yellow card for handball in the 94th minute.
