West Ham star Lucas Paqueta learns FA ban decision ahead of betting hearing
Lucas Paqueta could yet receive a lifetime ban but will be permitted to take to the field for West Ham United while his FA betting hearing takes place this later this month
Lucas Paqueta will be free to play for West Ham during his FA betting hearing.
Paqueta could face a lifetime ban if found guilty of allegations of spot-fixing amid claims he got himself deliberately booked on four occasions. The Football Association hearing is due to take place this month and last for around three weeks but he will be able to play while it goes on because he has not been suspended.
Paqueta, 27, is alleged to have deliberately got himself booked in Premier League matches against Leicester in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds in May 2023 and Bournemouth in August 2023. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said on Thursday that he was unable to discuss “an open case” when quizzed about the potential timeline.
Per the FA’s charges, Paqueta is said to have attempted 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 Brazil international was also charged with failing to comply with the governing body's investigation.
READ MORE: Mason Greenwood gives up on England recall as FA chief shares details on switchREAD MORE: Arsenal finally learn Joshua Kimmich transfer decision as club vote on dealPaqueta provided a statement following the charge, refuting its claims. He said at the time: "I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. 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."
A Brazilian government inquiry is recommending criminal charges for the West Ham star's uncle, Bruno Tolentino, and two other businessmen for their roles in a betting ring. Paqueta provided evidence to the Brazilian Senate Commission and faces no further action in his homeland despite being “suspected of game manipulation” by investigators, according to a 692-page commission report.
According to the evidence submitted to the inquiry in Brazil, "Paqueta announced (to an intermediary named Marlon Bruno Nascimento Silva) that he would give 'a birthday present' to his brother, Matheus Paqueta, that is a yellow card in the match on March 12."
The claims made in the government report are yet to be tried in court. Tolentino could face up to six years behind bars if found guilty and also stands accused of paying winger Luiz Henrique to be booked in two La Liga games while he was at Real Betis.
Tolentino is said to have made five different payments to Marlon, who the inquiry stated was responsible for recruiting players to a spot-fixing network. The payments to him totalled R$97,000 (£13,500).
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