West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá has instructed his lawyers to complain to the Football Association about “false and misleading” leaks relating to the investigation into his alleged breach of betting rules.
The Brazilian midfielder, who is expected to attend a hearing this month, released a statement on social media saying he is “frustrated and upset” by apparent attempts to “undermine” his bid to clear his name.
Paquetá, who maintains his innocence, expressed anger at unspecified reports in Brazil and England about a case that threatens to end his professional career. The Brazilian was charged by the FA in May for allegedly being booked deliberately “with the unlawful purpose of influencing the betting market”.
In a statement on social media, Paquetá wrote: “I am frustrated and saddened to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, that claim to reveal information about my case. Some of this information is completely false and looks appear to be designed to undermine my position.I am also concerned that although false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from someone close to the matter.
“FA matters are supposed to be confidential and they are extremely serious for me and my family. The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now jeopardizing my chance of receiving a fair trial, I have therefore asked my lawyers to write to the FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the matter, even if inaccurate, found its way into the public domain.I continue to deny the allegations against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence .”
The four charges relate to Paquetá’s bookings against Leicester in November 2022 and Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in 2023. The revelation of the FA’s investigation ended the former Lyon player’s hopes of joining Manchester City in August 2023. Paquetá has since been accused of “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged non-compliance under FA Rule F2”, which relates to the disclosure of information and documents.
West Ham fear the Brazilian’s career will effectively be over if he is found guilty. In 2022, Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for his part in spot-fixing during an FA Cup match where it was alleged he was deliberately booked as part of a betting scheme with friends.
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The FA declined to comment on Paquetá’s statement.