The English Football Association (FA) has reported Brazilian player Lucas Paquetá for misconduct in relation to betting on four Premier League matches.
According to the official announcement, revealed by the FA this Thursday (23), the midfielder deliberately received yellow cards in four clashes in the 2022/2023 season. He had been investigated since the middle of the year, however, he had not yet been investigated. formally denounced.
“It is alleged that he sought to directly influence the progress, conduct or any other aspect or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee with the improper purpose of affecting the betting market so that one or more persons profit from betting.” , says in the official note from the sporting entity.
In return, West Ham declared that it will continue to support its player. “The club confirms receipt of the FA’s complaint against Lucas Paquetá for alleged violations of the rules.
Lucas categorically denies these violations and will continue to defend his position robustly. The club will continue to support the player throughout the process. And he will not make any further comments until the matter is concluded,” the statement said.
Understand the case involving Paquetá and betting on the Premier League
According to the federation, Paquetá would have disrespected the rules regarding sports betting in clashes against the following teams:
- Leicester City, on November 12, 2022;
- Aston Villa, on March 12, 2023;
- Leeds United, on May 21, 2023,
- Bournemouth, on August 12, 2023, current season.
Now the player will be called upon to provide clarifications to an independent commission and could be suspended if found guilty, according to English sports media.
However, it is worth pointing out that the Brazilian’s situation would be different from that faced by Ivan Toney. This is because the England striker was sidelined for eight months because he had bet on football matches.
The English Federation’s investigation came after a complaint about Paquetá’s yellow card against Aston Villa. Furthermore, the investigation began with an unusual flow of bets on two matches on the same date: one in the English Championship, the other in the Spanish Championship.
The combined bet predicted that Paquetá would receive a card, as well as Luiz Henrique (now a Botafogo player) in the match between Real Betis (former team) and Villarreal.
For this reason, Paquetá was away from the Brazilian team for months last year. He returned after Dorival Jr’s arrival at the helm of Brazil.
The athlete is on the list for the Copa América, but the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) may review the issue due to new developments in the case.
