West Ham midfielder Bhas been charged by the Football Association for allegedly deliberately getting booked “to improperly influence the betting market.”
The charges relate to a Premier League game against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, as well as fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
The 26-year-old Brazil international has been under investigation since last summer due to suspicious betting patterns.
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.”
Paqueta, who joined West Ham from Lyon for an initial £36.5m in August 2022, stated he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the charges.
“For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny all the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name,” he added.
Paqueta has also been charged with “two breaches of FA Rule F3 for alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2,” which pertains to providing information and documents.
These charges were announced on the same day the Hammers confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach, following the departure of David Moyes.
A West Ham statement said: “The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process.”
Paqueta, who has been selected for Brazil’s squad for the Copa America next month, has until June 3 to respond to the charge of “misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3,” unless he requests an extension.
While this case will be assessed on its own merits, Paqueta could face a lengthy ban if found guilty.
In a related instance in 2022, Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for his involvement in spot-fixing during an FA Cup tie, where he allegedly got booked deliberately as part of a betting scheme with friends.
The games FA charges relate to
West Ham 0-2 Leicester – 12 November 2022
Paqueta booked for a ‘lunge’ on Leicester midfielder Boubakary Soumare in the 60th minute.
He is booked at 1-0 and the match finishes 2-0 to Leicester.
West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa – 12 March 2023
Paqueta booked for what is described as a ‘lunging challenge’ on John McGinn in the 70th minute, with the score at 1-1.
West Ham 3-1 Leeds United – 21 May 2023
Paqueta is booked for pulling back Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville on the counter-attack in the 65th minute.
It happens at 1-1, with West Ham going on to win 3-1.
West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth – 12 August 2023
In the opening game of this season, Paqueta is booked for handball in the 94th minute, with the match finishing 1-1.