Lucas Paquetá was accused by the English Football Association (FA) of alleged infractions related to sports betting. Specifically, the West Ham player is accused of deliberately getting booked “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.
“It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the development, conduct or any other aspect of these matches, or what happened in them, by intentionally trying to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market so that one or more persons could benefit from it,” the entity said in a statement.
The player, who has until June 3 to officially present his defense, has already denied the accusations on social media. “I will fight to clear my name,” said the midfielder, linked to a possible transfer to Manchester City and called up to represent Brazil in the Copa América.
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The four matches for which Paquetá is accused
West Ham 0-2 Leicester (November 12, 2022)
He was booked in the 60th minute for a foul on Boubakary Soumare
West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa (March 12, 2023)
He receives a yellow card 20 minutes from the end for a foul on John McGinn
West Ham 3-1 Leeds United (May 21, 2023)
When cutting off a counterattack led by Crysencio Summerville, he receives a card in the 65th minute
West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth (August 12, 2023)
In the opening match of the last season, Paquetá is booked for handball in the 94th minute, already towards the end
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
