In football everything moves very quickly. And this observation is as valid for performances on the field as it is for escapades off it. Lucas Paqueta is experiencing it the hard way this Thursday evening. For several months now, the FA has been investigating match-fixing involving the Brazilian international. We mentioned in particular the fact that he had voluntarily received yellow cards for matches where those around him bet large sums on this odds. And after several months, the verdict fell today in a press release which clearly confirms the facts.
“Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. The player was charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct during the club’s Premier League matches against Leicester City on November 12, 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023. It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the course, conduct or any other aspect or event of these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose to affect bets so that one or more people can benefit from the bets”, we can read in particular in the press release from the English football body which gives the player one week to justify himself and respond.
A premature end to career
The latter also quickly reacted following the FA press release. “I am extremely surprised and annoyed that the FA have decided to charge me. For nine months, I have cooperated at every stage of the investigation and provided all the information I could. I deny the accusations in their entirety and will fight to clear my name of any suspicion. Due to the ongoing investigation, I will not comment further.”, he posted on his social networks. The former OL player is risking a lot and he knows it. The FA decided to suspend Brentford striker Ivan Toney for 8 months for sports betting between 2017 and 2021. More recently it sanctioned Sandro Tonali for two months for betting between August and October. But the case of Lucas Paqueta is different since he did not bet, but deliberately fixed certain matches.
And according to information from Guardian, West Ham fears the worst for their player. The English media explains that the Hammers believe that the FA sanctions could lead to the end of Lucas Paqueta’s career. Which would be a huge blow for the player. Tracked by Manchester City who were ready to put 100 million on the table, the attacking midfielder, with this affair, will probably not be transferred again and no English club will want to be associated with the player afterwards. For the moment, West Ham continues to publicly support its player while awaiting final sanctions from the FA. The next few days will therefore be decisive in this matter. Lucas Paqueta knows it, he risks very big…
