Lucas Paqueta believes that leaking of ‘false information’ could have a negative impact on his betting case which could see his career in the sport come to an end.
The West Ham midfielder is set for a hearing in March 2025 after being charged by the Football Association for alleged spot-fixing.
Brazilian accused of being deliberately booked in matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth, in an attempt to influence betting markets.
Earlier this month, The Sun reported that the FA are bringing two new charges against Paqueta for non-cooperation breaches and are accusing him of obstructing the investigation.
However, the 27-year-old has now responded to reports with a statement slamming the alleged leakers of information ‘close to the case’.
Lucas Paqueta has alleged that someone close to his betting case is leaking false information
Paqueta took to X to post a statement wehere he once again denies the charges against him
The FA charged West Ham’s Paqueta with breaking betting rules back in May of this year
His statement posted to X read: ‘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.
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‘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 articles 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 a 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.’
Mail Sport exclusively broke the story of Paqueta’s betting probe back in August 2023, which led to the collapse of his prospective £85million move to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Around 60 people in Brazil are said to have wagered bets between £7 and £400 on him being booked in relevant games, with total winnings of £100,000. He is reportedly set to face a hearing in March.
Paqueta is still awaiting his case hearing which is set to take place in March of next year
Julen Lopetegui has insisted that the Brazilian midfielder is handling the situation well
The FA are thought to be pushing for a lifetime ban from football should he be found guilty of the charges against him, which may have affected his recent form.
Paqueta has struggled this season in a West Ham side that sit 12th in the Premier League on just eight points, despite heavy investment in the summer.
However, Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui has insisted that despite not discussing the issue with Paqueta, the player is handling his looming legal troubles well.
‘I’m happy with his behaviour and his commitment,’ Lopetegui said last month. ‘He’s working very hard, he’s trying to understand what we want. We’re trying to help him to be better and better. He’s an important player.’
