West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá has instructed his lawyers to complain to the Football Association over “false and misleading” leaks relating to the investigation into his alleged breaches of betting regulations.
The Brazil midfielder, who is expected to attend a hearing this month, released a statement on social media saying he is “frustrated and upset” by apparent efforts to “undermine” his attempts to clear his name.
Paquetá, who maintains his innocence, expressed anger at unspecified reports in Brazil and England about a case that threatens to end his professional career. The Brazilian was charged by the FA in May for allegedly getting booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.
In a statement on social media, Paquetá wrote: “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 rticles 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 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.“
The four charges relate to Paquetá’s bookings against Leicester in November 2022 and Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in 2023. The revelation of the FA’s investigation ended the former Lyon player’s hopes of joining Manchester City in August 2023. Paquetá has since been charged with “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2”, which relates to providing information and documents.
West Ham fear that the Brazilian’s career will in effect be over if he is found guilty. In 2022 the Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for his part in spot-fixing during an FA Cup tie in which it was alleged he deliberately got booked as part of a betting scheme with friends.
The FA declined to comment on Paquetá’s statement.
