West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged with alleged betting breaches, the FA have confirmed.
The Brazilian has been the subject of a lengthy FA investigation into betting activity relating to four yellow cards he received during the 2022/23 season.
Paqueta did not place the bets and has denied all wrongdoing but after a betting authority found that a 'larger than usual number of bets' had been placed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the FA and FIFA were notified.
The former Lyon and AC Milan man has now been charged by the FA, for alleged breaches of rules E5 and F3, the governing body have announced.
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Taking to X, Paqueta has issued a lengthy statement on the matter, expressing his "surprise" at the outcome.
He said: "I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me
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"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."
The probe lasted around nine months and saw Paqueta interviewed by the FA in September, as well as handing over his mobile phone.
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According to Matt Hughes of the Daily Mail, Paqueta has been charged with four counts of alleged spot-fixing to influence betting markets.
The incidents in question relate to deliberate yellow cards against Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Leeds in the 2022/23 campaign, and a caution against Leicester City in the previous season.
An independent commission will hear Paqueta's case but he could be facing a ban if they side with the FA.
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Manchester City had been waiting for the outcome of the investigation to decide whether they would try and sign him, but it now appears unlikely that they will pursue the 26-year-old.
A West Ham spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "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."
Topics: West Ham, Manchester City, Premier League
Josh Lawless