By Toby Cudworth
The Football Association are keen to impose a life ban on West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta for spot-fixing betting offences, a report has claimed.
Paqueta is accused of picking up deliberate yellow cards in four separate Premier League matches - bookings that coincided with a large number of bets being placed on the Brazilian to be cautioned.
The 26-year-old has vigorously denied the charges, saying in a statement that he was "extremely surprised and upset" at the FA's decision, and insists that he's fully cooperated with the investigation despite being further charged with two counts of failing to comply.
Details of the bets allegedly placed on Paqueta have been scarce, along with a potential punishment, but The Sun claim that the FA are pushing for the creative midfielder to receive a life ban from football.
Around 60 people are reported to have placed bets on Paqueta Island off the coast of Rio de Janiero, with stakes ranging from £7 to £400, leading to combined winnings of £100,000.
The charges levelled against Paqueta are different to those previously handed to Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who received bans from the game for betting on the outcome of matches.
Tonali was handed a ten-month ban from football, ruling him out of Euro 2024, while Toney received an eight-month suspension for 232 breaches of Rule E8, which concerns betting regulations for those who work in professional football.
Paqueta had been a transfer target for Premier League champions Manchester City, but an £80m move to the Etihad Stadium is now off the table as he fights to clear his name in order to continue his career.
The games Lucas Paqueta was booked in
- West Ham 0-2 Leicester (12 November 2022) - Paqueta receives a yellow card from referee Jarred Gillett for a tackle on Boubakary Soumare.
- West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa (12 March 2023) - Paqueta scythes through John McGinn moments after clattering into Douglas Luiz.
- West Ham 3-1 Leeds (21 May 2023) - Paqueta cynically trips Crysencio Summerville as the Dutchman attempts to lead a counter attack.
- Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham (12 August 2023) - Paqueta handles the ball in stoppage time while jumping for a header.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as FA want life ban for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta - report.
