Lucas Paqueta: West Ham midfielder's charges and statement explained as FA push for lifetime ban

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta could be handed a lifetime ban by the FA if found guilty of four alleged breaches of betting rules.

The Brazil international has made over 100 appearances for West Ham since arriving from Lyon in 2022 for a club record £51 million. The former Flamengo youngster has become a key member of the Hammers starting XI in that time.

Graham Potter has leant on the player since arriving at the London Stadium, his versatility key so far in the transitional period from Julen Lopetegui. However, with a hearing looming large this month, Paqueta’s future in the Premier League is in doubt.

What is Lucas Paqueta alleged to have done?

Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA for four alleged breaches of FA betting rules. The midfielder is accused of picking up four deliberate yellow cards with each offence carrying a six-month to lifetime ban.

Those incidents came during the 2022/23 Premier League season and the first fixture of the 2023/24 season. The bookings in question are as follows:

• November 12, vs Leicester City, fouls on Boubakary Soumare and Dennis Praet
• March 12, vs Aston Villa, foul on John McGinn
• May 21, vs Leeds United, foul on Crysencio Summerville
• August 12, vs AFC Bournemouth, for handball

The FA look to hit West Ham midfielder with lifetime ban

In May 2024, the FA confirmed that Lucas Paqueta had been charged for breaches of betting rules. A statement read: “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. The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline. The FA will be making no further comment until the conclusion of this case.”

TalkSPORT now claim that the FA are ‘pushing’ for Paqueta to be hit with a lifetime ban, should he be found guilty of the offences. The player’s hearing is due to take place in March and set to last three weeks.

What has Lucas Paqueta said about the charges?

Lucas Paqueta took to social media in October 2024 to confront rumours circulating over his betting case to share a short statement. In that message, he asked the FA to investigate ‘misleading’ leaks about the investigation.

In an Instagram post, he wrote: “I am frustrated and saddened to read incorrect and false articles in the press, both in Brazil and England, claiming to know details about my case.

"Some of this information is completely false and seems to be coming out to damage my image. I am also concerned that, even though this information is false, these articles cite sources close to the case. The FA's proceedings are supposedly confidential, and this situation is extremely serious for me and my family. The continued leaking and publication of false information is jeopardising my ability to receive a fair trial.

"Therefore, I have asked my lawyers to write to the FA to request an investigation into how this information, whether true or false, is being made public. I will continue to deny the charges and hope to prove my innocence."

In other news, former West Ham and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has been linked with a sensational return to Premier League management.