West Ham star Lucas Paqueta, has rubbished online claims regarding sport-fixing charges the Football Association (FA) have levelled against him.
The Brazil international was charged for being booked intentionally to influence and manipulate the betting market. He allegedly got booked intentionally in the Premier League matches on four different occasions.
According to the FA, Paqueta was first booked intentionally in a match against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, and then against Aston Villa on March 12, 2023. On May 21, he received his third ‘intentional booking’ against Leeds United and then another against AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
He was also charged for failing to cooperate with the FA during investigations into the allegations. The case has been referred to the independent commission. If found guilty, he could face severe disciplinary actions, including a real chance of getting a lifetime ban from professional football.
From the onset, Paqueta disputed claims by the FA, insisting he was innocent and had never made any attempt to influence the outcome of matches. Harping on his innocence, he pledged to fight the allegations with all he could.
Now, recent publications from English and Brazilian outlets claimed further undisclosed evidence that could dim the players’ chances of coming out unscathed has been found.
Reacting to the report, Paqueta fumed at the courtesy manner of the report and hinted at potential breaches of his privacy.
According to him, since the matter is in the hands of the FA and the independent commission, the publications by the media outlets are tantamount to breaching terms of confidentiality.
He also blasted the report as false and baseless, adding that he has instructed his lawyers to take necessary steps to address the ‘false reports.’
Concluding his statement, Paqueta maintained he is innocent of the charges and will stop at nothing to fight for his innocence.
Lucas Paqueta full statement
“I am frustrated and upset to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case.
“Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position. I am also concerned that, although they are false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case.
“The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential, and they are extremely serious for me and my family. The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing.
“I have, therefore, instructed my lawyers to write to The FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain. I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence,” he wrote on social media.
Paqueta’s club, West Ham have backed their star player, threatening to take the case to the Court Of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) if necessary.
Lucas Paqueta is still free to feature for West Ham despite the ongoing investigation and is expected to be in the squad for his team’s clash against Tottenham on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
However, he will be treading on a slippery rope and could suffer a big setback if he is found guilty. Before the allegations, he was a top transfer target for Premier League Manchester City champions before the Etihad-based club halted the move due to the charges.
