Lucas Paqueta has slammed “entirely false” claims surrounding his ongoing alleged betting breaches probe.
Reports recently claimed that the West Ham star had been summoned to a hearing later this month relating to the allegations. It has also been claimed that he could be facing a lifetime ban should he be found guilty.
And Paqueta has now shared a furious statement on social media responding. He 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 misteading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case.
“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 was originally charged by The FA in May for alleged betting breaches. He is accused of intentionally receiving a yellow card in four Premier League matches – something that he denies.
An investigation was originally opened in the summer of 2023. West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has been keen to focus more on Paqueta’s performances as opposed to the alleged breaches.
“He’s trying to work very hard, trying to understand what we want from him,” the Spaniard said. “We’re trying to help him to be better and better. He’s an important player.
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“He’s managed this in a good way,” Lopetegui added. “We try to help him but we don’t talk about this. We talk about football, the next match, about life but not about this.”
Paqueta has also been charged with two counts of failing to comply with the FA investigation. The bookings under the microscope came against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth during the 2022/23 season.
Paqueta, 27, joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022. He has gone on to make 93 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 15 times. He helped the club win the Europa Conference League during his debut campaign.
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