Lucas Paqueta issues angry statement on gambling investigation as West Ham star hits out at 'misleading leaks'

The Brazilian international, 26, is accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards in four Premier League fixtures, including matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth. If these allegations are proven, Paqueta could face severe disciplinary actions, including a lifetime ban from professional football by the Football Association (FA).

There were reports in the media which claimed that Paqueta had been summoned to a hearing later this month regarding the charges, further intensifying scrutiny around his involvement. In addition to the match-fixing accusations, he faces charges for alleged non-compliance with the ongoing FA investigation on two counts.

In response to the media reports, Paqueta took to social media to issue a strong statement, expressing his frustration and denying the accusations.

He wrote: "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 FA first launched its investigation into Paqueta's alleged involvement in match-fixing during the summer of 2023. West Ham United, however, is considering taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, if necessary. The Hammers have expressed concerns about the severity of the potential punishment, questioning the fairness of a lifetime ban as they believe that such a harsh penalty would be unreasonable.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Paqueta remains eligible to continue playing for West Ham United until the FA's disciplinary process concludes. The Brazilian midfielder is expected to return to action in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur in an upcoming fixture on Saturday.