Raging West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has hit out and vowed to fight the FA charges against him with ‘every breath’.
West Ham have today been rocked by the news that Brazil ace Lucas Paqueta has officially been charged by the FA.
In a statement on Thursday, an FA spokesman confirmed Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
Paqueta has been playing under a cloud all season long as he faces some very serious allegations – which he refutes.
The Hammers talisman has had the FA and FIFA investigation over alleged involvement in illegal betting hanging over his head since last summer.
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That saw an £85m move to Man City collapse last summer. And there threatens to be a repeat this.
Conflicting reports have been doing the rounds in recent months regarding the Paqueta investigation.
While news of the official FA charges comes as a major blow to West Ham and the player, it is not a complete surprise to the club.
It was claimed by a source close to West Ham’s owners that the Hammers were concerned the FA would officially charge Paqueta over the allegations.
That’s so that his fate can then be decided by an independent three-person panel.
Paqueta vows to fight charges
Now raging West Ham star Paqueta has spoken out and vowed to fight the charges with ‘every breath’.
“I am extremely surprised and upset that The FA has decided to charge me,” Paqueta said on X.
“For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.
“Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment.”
You can read the FA’s full statement on the situation below.
FA statement in full
“West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3,” the statement reads.
“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.”