Brazil and West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta was officially charged with breaking English football's betting rules on May 23, 2024.
The Football Association allege the player committed six breaches of its regulations relating to his conduct during four Premier League matches, from November 2022 to August 2023.
Paqueta issued a statement in which he strongly denied the charges and vowed to "fight with every breath to clear my name".
The Sporting News looks at the allegations against the player, his firm denial, and when a resolution to the matter might be found.
MORE: The full Brazil squad for the 2024 Copa America
English FA charges Lucas Paqueta: What did he allegedly do?
On May 23, England's Football Association confirmed it had charged Paqueta with misconduct in relation to rules regarding betting.
Paqueta was charged with four breaches of rule E5.1, and two breaches of rule F3. The former relates to allegations that he was "intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee." He was given until June 3 to respond to the charges.
In its written explanation, the FA said: "The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club's Premier League fixtures 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's alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.
"Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2."
What has Lucas Paqueta said?
Shortly after the FA statement, Paqueta published a reply in English and Portuguese on his social media channels in which he strongly denied the allegations.
— Lucas Paquetá (@LucasPaqueta97) May 23, 2024
"I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me," he said. "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."
West ham vowed to "continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded".
It is expected that a hearing will take place after Paqueta responds to the charges, likely in early June.
When did Lucas Paqueta sign for West Ham?
Paqueta joined West Ham from French club Lyon in August 2022. The Premier League side confirmed at the time that it was a record transfer, thought to be in the region of an initial £36.5 million, which could eventually rise to more than £50m.
The 26-year-old has since played 84 times in all competitions for the Hammers, scoring 13 goals. In 2022/23, he helped them to win the UEFA Europa Conference League.
He was linked with a possible move to Manchester City before the 2023/24 season, but no such transfer materialised.
Is Lucas Paqueta in the Brazil Copa America squad?
Paqueta was one of the 26 players named by Dorival Junior in the Brazil squad for this year's Copa America.
The midfielder has made 44 senior appearances for the Selecao and is a regular starter for his country.
Brazil's first Copa America match is against Costa Rica at SoFi Stadium on June 24.
