Lucas Paquetá’s trial began on March 17. One week after the hearing began, the player is still awaiting a decision on his future in football. The English Football Association (FA) has accused the player of inappropriate conduct in relation to sports betting.
In Paquetá’s defense, the former coach of West Ham, the Brazilian’s current team, David Moyes, will testify. The British player was the midfielder’s coach at the time the incidents under investigation occurred. Moyes currently coaches Everton in England.
According to the English Football Association (FA), Paquetá is accused of misconduct in relation to sports betting in four games. The maximum penalty is a ban from football.
The accusation
The complaint against Lucas Paquetá dates back to May 2024. The FA reported the player accused of forcing a yellow card in four matches, in the Premier League:
- West Ham 0-2 Leicester (12 November 2022),
- West Ham 1 x 1 Aston Villa (12 March 2023),
- West Ham 3-1 Leeds (21 May 2023)
- Bournemouth 1 x 1 West Ham (12 August 2023).
According to local media reports, around 60 people from Ilha de Paquetá, the midfielder’s hometown, bet on the West Ham midfielder being shown a yellow card in these incidents. However, the bets were made on the Betway website, the main sponsor of the club where the Brazilian national team player plays.
Lucas Paquetá’s four charges are based on the FA’s Rule E5.1: “He shall not, directly or indirectly, attempt to influence for any improper purpose the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect or occurrence in or in connection with a game or competition.”
Check out the moments in which Lucas Paquetá is accused of forcing a yellow card:
First incident: West Ham 0 x 2 Leicester (12/11/2022), 15 minutes into the 2nd half.
In an attack by Leicester, the Brazilian received a yellow card for a tackle on Boubakary Soumare. In the same play, he also comes hard on the Belgian Dennis Praet.
Second incident: West Ham 1 x 1 Aston Villa, 25 minutes into the 2nd half (12/03/2023).
Paquetá finds John McGinn in the centre circle as Aston Villa make a promising counter-attack.
Third incident: West Ham 3 x 1 Leeds, 20 minutes into the 2nd half (21/05/2023).
Paquetá brings down Crysencio Summerville from behind. The foul prevented the visitors from advancing on the counterattack
Fourth incident: Bournemouth 1 x 1 West Ham, 48 minutes of the 2nd half (12/08/2023).
At the end of the match, Paquetá fights the ball high after Areola’s goal kick, but uses too much force and receives a card.
