LUCAS PAQUETA: WEST HAM STAR IN TALKS OVER SURPRISE TRANSFER DESPITE FA BETTING CHARGES
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could be set for a surprise return to Brazil.
The Irons midfielder, currently representing his nation in the Copa America, has been charged by the Football Association who allege that Paqueta deliberating looked to get booked to spot fix in a number of matches. The 26-year-old denies the charges.
Before charges were brought last summer, Paqueta had drawn interest from the likes of Manchester City, after the former Lyon star enjoyed an impressive debut season at the London Stadium. Now however, Flamengo hope to land the 49-times capped ace on loan, per Globo.
It is claimed that talks are ongoing with approval from Paqueta's camp. It has also been said that the Hammers rejected a bid last month and are planning to keep the midfielder - but his future is far from certain.
Technical director Tim Steidten has already met with Paqueta in Brazil, while new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has admitted that his player's current situation has seen him suffer.
“We know he and his family are suffering a lot,” said Lopetegui. “We are looking forward to him being here with us. We are his family in England and we are going to take care of him. I liked it when I saw him smiling in the last match because he was enjoying playing football.”
Mirror Football looks at the situation Paqueta faces below.
What are the charges against Paqueta?
The Brazilian faces six charges from the FA. Four relate to receiving yellow cards against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
The FA said in a statement that Paqueta "directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting".
The remaining two charges relate to allegations of failing to comply with the FA investigation.
Could Paqueta be banned?
FA guidelines refer to bans between six months and life per charge. There are few precedents to refer to but former Lincoln City defender Bradley Wood was handed a six-year ban when he was found guilty of match-fixing.
Wood was found guilty of two offences after telling friends he would attempt to receive a caution in matches against Ipswich and Burnley. Wood received a five-year ban for the match-fixing offences and a further 12 months after admitting 22 charges of betting on match outcomes and one charge of passing on information.
Paqueta's response
"I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
"I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name. Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment."
West Ham's response
"The club acknowledges receipt of the FA charge received by Lucas Paqueta for alleged breaches of their rules," a spokesperson said.
"Lucas categorically denies the breach and will continue to robustly defend his position. The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded."
West Ham stance on transfer?
Irons chief Steidten played down the prospect of a sale recently, and is not concerned by the uncertainy surrounding Paqueta with regards to the charges levelled against him. The German national said: “It’s not so difficult, to be honest, because the information we have is quite easy, that he is part of our team and he can play for us.
"I don’t have so many thoughts on this one, as long as nobody told me or us something else. Of course, we have to react, but at the moment he is part of our team and it’s not really a big issue for us.
"I met him in Brazil because I was watching some games. We are looking forward to having him back in London. He is an important part of our team. He is a member of our family. We are looking forward to seeing him."
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2024-07-04T12:32:09Z dg43tfdfdgfd