Ahead of a busy summer of transition at the London Stadium, West Ham United have been handed another complication after key midfielder Lucas Paqueta was charged by the FA for alleged breaches of betting regulations.
On the same day that Julen Lopetegui was announced as David Moyes’ replacement in the capital, Brazilian playmaker Paqueta was charged with offences pertaining to suspicious alleged betting activity surrounding incidents involving him over the past two seasons.
The attacking midfielder has been linked with a switch to Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window after an £85m deal last summer fell through, but a move to the Etihad is again in jeopardy.
But just what has Paqueta been accused of doing, and what punishment could he face if found guilty?
Paqueta has been charged with four alleged breaches of FA Rule E5.1 connected to four separate incidents relating to yellow cards he has received over the past two campaigns.
The FA decided to investigate the 26-year-old after suspicious betting activity related to a 94th-minute booking Paqueta received on the opening day of the Premier League season against Bournemouth for pushing Illia Zabarnyi.
Three further incidents during the 2022/23 campaign are being investigated, with Paqueta picking up yellow cards against Leicester City (12 November 2022), Aston Villa (12 March 2023) and Leeds United (21 May 2023).
The FA have suggested that Paqueta intentionally sought yellow cards in order to impact and profit from the betting market.
In a statement regarding the charges, the FA said: “West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
“It’s alleged that he directly sought to 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.”
Speaking on social media about the charges, Paqueta vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The former Lyon star stated: “I am extremely surprised and upset that the…
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