West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could be hit with a lifetime ban from football if found guilty of breaching Football Association betting rules.
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Brazilian has been charged by FACould receive lifetime banWest Ham star has vowed to clear his nameWHAT HAPPENED?
Paqueta was charged by the FA for breaches of betting rules in May. It is alleged the Brazilian intentionally tried to get himself booked in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth. If found guilty, Paqueta could find his playing career over as the FA's charge sheet includes a recommendation for the Brazilian to be banned for life, according to .
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Further details of the allegations surrounding Paqueta have also now emerged. reports that one bet placed on Paqueta to be booked was for just £7 ($9). The tabloid also claims that "60 people" placed bets on the West Ham star to receive a yellow card in the four matches and placed stakes of between "£7 to £400" ($9-$511) which would potentially lead to "combined winnings of £100,000" ($128,000). Rather incredibly, the bets have been traced back to a place called 'Paqueta Island' near to Rio de Janeiro.
WHAT PAQUETA HAS SAID
Paqueta has strongly denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name in a post on social media after he was charged: "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."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA
Paqueta's legal team have asked the FA for more time to respond to the charges, according to The Athletic. The Brazilian was originally given a deadline of June 3 which has now passed. Meanwhile, Paqueta is currently with the Brazil squad preparing for the Copa America.