Lucas Paqueta breaks silence over alleged betting case

Lucas Paqueta has broken his silence over his ongoing betting investigation via a statement released on Thursday. The midfielder has been accused of deliberately picking up yellow cards in the matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth for betting reasons. His hearing is set to take place in March 2025 after being charged by the Football Association (FA) for alleged spot-fixing.

Earlier in October, reports from 'The Sun' claimed that the FA are bringing two new charges against Paqueta for non-cooperation breaches and are also accusing him of obstructing the investigation. That said, Paqueta has stressed in his recent statement that such reports are false" and misleading. "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," began the 27-year old. 'Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position."

Paqueta has further stated that the alleged misinformation poses a big threat, as it could have an impact on the outcome of the investigation, thus putting his career as a professional footballer at risk. "The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential, and they are extremely serious for me and my family," he revealed. "The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing."

As a result, the West Ham player has requested that the FA intervene so that he is able to continue with a fair trial. "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," he said. To conclude his statement, Paqueta said that he continues to "deny the charges" against him, adding that he looks forward to proving his innocence. 

The FA are reportedly looking to implement a lifetime ban from football should Paqueta be found guilty of the charges against him. Said repercussions could explain Paqueta's underwhealming form this season. Nevertheless Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui has insisted that he is happy with the way the player is handling the situaiton. "I'm happy with his behaviour and his commitment," Lopetegui said last month. "He's working very hard, he's trying to understand what we want. We're trying to help him to be better and better. He's an important player."

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