West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been handed a string of FA charges for allegedly "intentionally seeking to receive" bookings "in order for one or more persons to profit from betting".
An FA statement said: "It's alleged that he [Paqueta] 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."
The charges relate to a Premier League game against Leicester City in November 2022, as well as 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, Leeds United on May 21, and Bournemouth on August 12.
In response, Paqueta said he was "extremely surprised and upset" by the charges - and denies them.
The Brazilian international midfielder, 26, has until June 3 to "provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline".
More to follow...
