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West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA in relation to betting offences.
The Brazilian has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA rules E5 and F3.
The charges have been brought against Paqueta in relation to his conduct in West Ham’s Premier League games against Leicester on 12 November 2022, Aston Villa on 12 March 2023, Leeds United on 21 May 2023 and Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
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Paqueta has been charged with deliberately seeking bookings the charge alleges he did so in order that he and/or his friends could benefit from betting on according to The Times.
He categorically denies the breach.
The first booking in question against Leicester was for a lunge on Boubakary Soumoure, the Villa booking was for a late tackle on John McGinn, against Leeds he was cautioned for pulling back Crysencio Summerville. His booking against Bournemouth was for handball in added time.
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According to Martyn Ziegler of The Times, a single breach if proven carries a ban of between 6 months and lifetime.
He has until June 3 to "provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline".
In response to the charge 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."
Paqueta was subject of interest from Manchester City but the FA’s investigation halted any plans to sign him.
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A West Ham statement said: “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.”
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: West Ham, FA, Premier League
Marcus Banks