Lucas Paqueta accused by FA of betting on himself to get booked in four West Ham games

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct by the FA following allegations he deliberately earned yellow cards in Premier League matches as part of a betting scheme.

Following a lengthy investigation into possible breaches, the FA published its charges on Thursday, accusing the Brazilian of “intentionally seeking to be carded” during four Premier League matches “with the improper aim of affect the betting market so that one or more people profit from betting.”

The FA's announcement comes just hours after West Ham welcomed the start of a new era by unveiling Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach.

Three of the matches in question – against Leicester City, Aston Villa and Leeds – took place during the 2022/23 season, with the fourth, against Bournemouth, taking place at the start of the current campaign.

A West Ham statement confirmed that Paqueta “categorically denies this violation and will continue to vigorously defend his position”. He is expected to appeal before the FA's deadline of June 3.

“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” Paqueta wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “For nine months, I cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided every information possible.

“I deny the accusations in their entirety and will fight at every time to clear my name.”

News of the FA's investigation emerged in August last year following reports of suspicious betting practices in his native Brazil surrounding a series of bookings during his first season in football English.

The scandal saw a proposed move to Manchester City collapse and, even if the champions were to reignite their interest this summer, it now appears highly unlikely, with Paqueta potentially facing a lengthy ban if found guilty.

Although neither case involves similar violations, last year Brentford striker Ivan Toney was suspended for eight months after being found guilty of betting violations by the FA, while midfielder Newcastle's Sandro Tonali is still serving a ten-month ban for playing offenses imposed by the FA. Italian FA and extended worldwide by FIFA.

“Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3,” an FA statement said.

“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct during the club's Premier League matches against Leicester City on November 12, 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.

“It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the course, conduct or any other aspect or event of these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee with the improper aim of affecting the betting market so that one or more people to profit from betting.

He was also charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3, which relates to failing to “provide documents, information or anything else held in relation to a request from the Football Association”.

Paqueta has continued to play regularly for West Ham throughout the season and the club have previously stated that they will “continue to support the player throughout”.

The 26-year-old was initially dropped from the Brazilian national team when news of the investigation emerged last year, but was recalled by new head coach Dorival Junior for March's friendly against Brazil. England and was included in their squad for this summer's Copa America.