FA confirm decision that could scupper Man City's summer transfer plans

The FA have confirmed Lucas Paqueta has been charged with four counts of breaching betting laws.

The West Ham United midfielder’s alleged charges relate to four games betwen November 2022 and 12 August 2023 in which he received a yellow card. Paqueta has until 3 June to respond to the charges and, if found guilty, that would likely scupper a summer transfer to Manchester City.

The Premier League champions are interested in the Brazilian star, especially if Bernardo Silva departs ahead of the 2024/25 season, but a decision on whether to pursue a transfer has always been on hold until after the outcome of the FA’s investigation.

In a statement released on Thursday, the FA said: “West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. 

“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023. 

“It’s alleged that he 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. Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.”

In a statement, Paqueta expressed his disappointment at the news and said he ‘denies any wrongdoing’.

"I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me," he wrote on social media. "For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.

"I deny all 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.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claim the 26-year-old’s case will be heard by an independent commission and he could face a ban if found guilty, although none of the charges relate to any bets placed by Paqueta.

The West Ham star, who has been called up to this summer’s Brazil squad, scored eight times and provided seven assists in 43 appearances last season.