Lucas Paqueta demands FA investigation into ‘false and misleading’ leaks

Lucas Paqueta has instructed his lawyers to complain to the Football Association over “false and misleading” leaks surrounding his betting breaches case.

The West Ham and Brazil midfielder, who is expected to appear at a hearing later this month, says he is “frustrated and upset” by apparent efforts to “undermine” his position while he attempts to clear his name.

He expressed anger over unspecified reports in both England and Brazil about the case as his professional career hangs in the balance. The FA confirmed in May that Paqueta had been charged for allegedly getting booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.

In a statement on social media, Paqueta wrote: “I am frustrated and upset to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case. Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position. I am also concerned that, although they are false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case.”

The four charges relate to a Premier League game against Leicester City on Nov 12 in 2022, plus 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, Leeds United on May 21 and Bournemouth on Aug 12. The 27-year-old had been under investigation since last summer over suspicious betting patterns.

Paqueta, however, added in his statement: “The FA proceedings 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 putting at risk my chance of receiving fair hearing. I have, therefore, instructed my lawyers to write to the FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain. I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence.“

Paqueta, who joined West Ham from Lyon for an initial £36.5 million in August 2022, previously said he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the charges.

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 is charged with “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2”, which relates to providing information and documents.

In 2022, Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 10 years for his part in spot-fixing during an FA Cup tie in which it was alleged he deliberately got booked as part of a betting scheme with friends.