Lucas Paquetá Responds to Betting Allegations with Concern Over Media Leaks
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has taken to social media to express his frustration with what he claims are “misleading and inaccurate” media reports regarding the betting charges against him. Paquetá, who is facing allegations of match-fixing and betting rule breaches by the English Football Association (FA), continues to deny the charges and has raised concerns over the leaks of confidential information related to his case.
Allegations of Betting Breaches
In May 2023, Lucas Paquetá was charged by the FA with four violations of its betting rules.
The allegations suggest that Paquetá intentionally attempted to receive yellow cards in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023.
The purpose, according to the FA, was to influence the betting market, allowing certain individuals to profit from these bookings.
Paquetá has firmly denied these accusations from the beginning of the investigation.
In addition to the FA probe, he has been called to testify before Brazil’s Sports Betting CPI (Parliamentary Investigation Commission) at the end of this month, where he is expected to provide his statement via video conference.
Paquetá Denies Allegations and Condemns Media Leaks
In a public statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Paquetá expressed his deep concern about recent media reports in both England and Brazil, which he claims contain false information about his case.
According to Paquetá, these reports not only misrepresent the facts but also appear to be based on leaks from sources close to the investigation.
“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,” Paquetá stated.
He further emphasized that the FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential and that the leaks are jeopardizing his ability to receive a fair hearing.
Paquetá also instructed his legal team to formally request that the FA investigate how such confidential information has been leaked to the media.
Concerns Over Fair Process
Paquetá expressed his fears that the continued spread of misinformation could negatively affect the outcome of his case.
“The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing,” he added, reinforcing his commitment to proving his innocence.
The FA has yet to respond publicly to Paquetá’s request for an investigation into the media leaks.
Meanwhile, the player remains focused on clearing his name both in the UK and in Brazil, where the betting case has attracted significant attention.