West Ham United's star midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been hit with serious charges by the Football Association over alleged breaches of betting rules. The Brazilian playmaker, who joined the Hammers in a club-record £51 million deal, could face a lengthy suspension if found guilty.
What are the allegations against Paquetá?
The FA has accused the 26-year-old of intentionally seeking to receive yellow cards during Premier League matches to influence betting markets. The alleged incidents occurred in games against Leicester City (12 November 2022), Aston Villa (12 March 2023), and Leeds United (21 May 2023).
Potential consequences for the Brazilian
If proven guilty, Paquetá could face:
- A minimum six-month ban from football
- Potential voiding of his £51 million transfer to West Ham
- Damage to his international career with Brazil
West Ham's response
The London club has stated they will stand by their player during the investigation but emphasized they take all regulatory matters seriously. Manager David Moyes faces selection headaches ahead of the new season as the case unfolds.
Impact on transfer market
The charges come at a sensitive time, with Manchester City having shown strong interest in signing Paquetá this summer. The investigation could potentially derail any big-money move for the talented midfielder.
The player has until 3 June to respond to the charges, with a hearing likely to take place before the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
