Lucas Paquetá has issued a forceful statement refuting recent media reports about his involvement in an ongoing Football Association (FA) investigation into alleged betting breaches.
The West Ham United midfielder took to social media platform X to condemn what he described as “false and inaccurate” reporting around the case.
Paquetá’s statement, shared in both English and Portuguese, criticised the media coverage, which he says misrepresented the facts of the investigation.
The controversy initially emerged from a report in The Sun, a major British tabloid, which claimed Paquetá was facing two new FA charges for failing to cooperate with the inquiry.
However, the Brazilian international has denied the accusations and revealed that his legal team will now ask the FA to investigate how confidential information about the case is being leaked to the public.
In his statement, Paquetá expressed frustration over the impact of these reports, saying:
“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 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 a 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.”
The investigation into Paquetá began in August 2023 following allegations that he was linked to a spot-betting scheme based in his hometown of Guanabara Bay.
The FA reportedly flagged suspicious betting patterns involving bookings and shots on target during matches Paquetá played for West Ham.
Paquetá has consistently denied any involvement, with his case now scheduled for a hearing in March 2025. However, the matter could extend into the summer depending on the proceedings.
Football’s Betting Scandals in the Spotlight:
The midfielder’s case is the latest in a series of high-profile betting controversies to hit English football. Ivan Toney, formerly of Brentford, Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo have all recently faced sanctions under the FA’s strict betting regulations.
Toney was banned for eight months after placing bets on football matches, while Tonali and Toffolo received two and five-month suspensions respectively. All three players were penalised under FA rule E8, which forbids players from betting on any football activity.
However, the accusations against Paquetá are more serious, involving potential spot-fixing – a charge that carries far graver consequences.
If found guilty, the repercussions could be severe, both for his career and his club. With the stakes high, Paquetá will be hoping to clear his name when the case is heard next year.