Lucas Paquetá set to lodge complain against the FA with regards to information being leaked in relation to his charges.
Lucas Paquetá has instructed his lawyers to complain to the Football Association over “false and misleading” leaks.
The Brazil midfielder, who is scheduled to appear in court this month, expressed his frustration and displeasure on social media in a statement, stating that he feels like his attempts to clear his name are being “undermined.”
Paquetá, who insists he is innocent, became enraged at vague stories he saw in Brazil and England regarding a case that could bring an end to his career. The Brazilian was accused of intentionally getting booked “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market,” according to charges filed by the FA in May.
In a statement on social media, Paquetá 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 rticles 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 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 four charges stem from Paquetá’s bookings in November 2022 against Leicester and in 2023 against Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth. The former Lyon player’s chances of signing with Manchester City in August 2023 were dashed upon the FA’s inquiry becoming public knowledge. Afterwards, Paquetá was accused of “two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2,” which has to do with giving papers and information.
If the Brazilian is proven guilty, West Ham fears it will be the end of his career. Stratford Town defender Kynan Isaac was handed a ten-year suspension in 2022 for his alleged involvement in spot-fixing during an FA Cup match. It was claimed that Isaac purposefully received a booking as part of a conspiracy to gamble with pals.