Another bookmaking scandal in the Premier League: a serious accusation against Brazilian Lucas Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta The English Football Association formally charged him after committing offenses in four Premier League matches covering the 2022/2023 season. The Federation accused him of influencing the meeting to benefit one or more people. sports betting. The Brazilian footballer published a statement on social networks.

The FA statement mentioned: “Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA rules E5 and F3. The player is charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the Premier League matches against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa – 12 March 2023; Leeds United, 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023

And he concluded: “It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the course, conduct or any other aspect or course of these matches by deliberately seeking to obtain a card from the referee for the improper purpose of influencing the betting market so that one or more people would profit from the bets. Lucas Paqueta is also charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rule F2. “The FA will not be making any further comment until this matter is concluded.”

A detail that hasn’t been overlooked is that in the four games mentioned, Paqueta was reprimanded. In the defeat (2-0) against Leicester in the 60th minute, in the draw (1-1) with Aston Villa in the 70th minute and in the victory (3-1) over Leeds United the match, in in which he was 65 feet: in all cases the warning was for knocking down an opponent. In addition, in the 1-1 match with Bournemouth, he was booked for touching the ball with his hand in the 94th minute, just before being substituted.

At the same time, they clarified that the Package will have until June 3 to respond to these charges, and this date is subject to any request for an extension of the case. The Brazilian, called up with his national team for the America’s Cup, has already anticipated this on social networks with a publication: “I am very surprised and upset to learn that the FA have decided to charge me. Over the course of nine months, I cooperated at every stage of the investigation and provided all information possible. I completely deny the allegations and will fight tooth and nail to clear my name. Due to the ongoing process, I will not be making any further comment.”.

It is worth noting that the investigation began last year when the authorities on duty began investigating Paqueta. The 26-year-old from Rio also remained with the Hammers and featured locally and internationally last season, playing 35 games, scoring 7 goals and providing 7 assists.

It is worth noting that the South American is not the first footballer to be investigated by the Premier League organizers, with the Brentford star being suspended last year. Ivan Toney (8 months without playing and a financial fine of more than 60 thousand dollars)while Italian Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) He was accused of violating 50 points of the federation regulations and has not played in official matches since October 2023.

As reported in recent weeks, The Premier League wants to completely eradicate the connection between sports betting and its league. In a statement, the authorities said that 18 of the 20 clubs participating in the English Championship have approved the removal of advertising on team clothing at various bookmakers. The change will not apply until the 2025/2026 season, so some sponsors will remain the same for the next campaign.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

West Ham United’s Lucas Paquete faces charges

West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct over alleged breaches of FA rules E5 and F3.

The player is charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the Premier League matches against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa – 12 March 2023; Leeds United, 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023

It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the course, conduct or any other aspect or event in these matches by deliberately seeking to obtain a card from the referee for the improper purpose of influencing betting. a market in which one or more people can benefit from bets.

Lucas Paqueta is also charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rule F2.

The player has until June 3, 2024 to respond to these charges, provided he requests an extension.

The FA will not comment further until this matter is completed.