Mirror Sport – Paqueta facing huge ban
Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA for “intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee” in matches since he joined West Ham from Lyon for £50million in August 2022
Summary
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct related to alleged breaches of FA betting rules. Paqueta had attracted interest from Manchester City last summer after a strong debut season in the Premier League, where he scored five goals and provided seven assists in 39 appearances.
City had a £70 million bid rejected for Paqueta, with West Ham reportedly holding out for around £85 million. Confidential issues were cited as a reason for the breakdown in negotiations.
Despite the failed move, Paqueta remained at West Ham and had an even more productive second season, scoring eight goals and adding seven assists in 43 matches.
Looking ahead, Paqueta will be under the guidance of Julen Lopetegui, who was appointed as West Ham’s new head coach on Thursday morning, replacing David Moyes. Lopetegui, the former Wolves boss, will officially take over on July 1.
Statement from The FA
A statement from The FA read : “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.
“Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.
“The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline. The FA will be making no further comment until the conclusion of this case.”
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