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6 months ago
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Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA with alleged breaches of betting rules in a dramatic development that is likely to scupper a proposed £80million transfer to Manchester City this summer.
The FA have been investigating suspicious betting activity surrounding four bookings Paqueta received in 2022 and 2023 for almost nine months, and Mail Sport has learned the Brazilian international is facing disciplinary charges.
The Brazilian international has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3, which relates to 'alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2'.
Paqueta denies any wrongdoing and any knowledge of the suspicious bets, which have been traced to Paqueta Island, off the coast of Rio de Janiero.
The West Ham midfielder posted a statement on Instagram on Thursday afternoon following the charge that read: 'I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA with breaking betting rules
The FA have investigated suspicious betting patterns surrounding four bookings Paqueta picked up in 2022 and 2023
One of the bookings being investigated came in West Ham's game with Aston Villa in March 2023 (pictured)
Paqueta has expressed his surprise at the charges and continues to deny any wrongdoing
'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.
'Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment.'
A West Ham club spokesperson added: 'The Club acknowledges receipt of the FA charge received by Lucas Paquetá for alleged breaches of their Rules.
'Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue to robustly defend his position.
'The Club will continue to stand by and support the Player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded.'
The 26-year-old was interviewed by the FA last September and gave the governing body access to his phone the following month.
The FA investigation was triggered by suspicious betting patterns surrounding an injury-time yellow card received by Paqueta in West Ham’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on the opening day of the season last August.
In addition to Paqueta’s booking for shoving Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi the FA also investigated bets on two yellow cards he received last season; one for a late challenge on John McGinn in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on March 11 and another for fouling Leeds’ Crysencio Summerville on May 21.
Paqueta’s case will be heard by an independent commission and he could be given a ban if found guilty. While Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban for betting on football last year it is understood that Paqueta has not been accused of placing any bets himself.
The FA’s plans to charge Paqueta are a hammer blow for both the player and his club, as it will shatter his transfer value and create huge problems for new head coach.
Paqueta had been linked with a move to Man City this summer, but this proposed transfer could now be scuppered
Ivan Toney was banned for eight months for breaching betting rules last year before he returned to action in January
Paqueta is contracted to West Ham until 2027 and under normal circumstances the club would either seek to cash in this summer or agree a long-term extension, but neither scenario is now likely to materialise.
City agreed to pay £80m for Paqueta last year and have identified him as a potential replacement for Bernando Silva, who is wanted by Paris Saint Germain.
Meeting Paqueta’s release clause would not be a problem for City, but they are unlikely to pursue their interest if he is charged with a betting offence.
The FA have been approached for comment.
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