Lucas Paqueta asks FA to investigate ‘misleading’ leaks on gambling charges

Lucas Paqueta has urged the Football Association to investigate after claiming information about his gambling charges have been leaked to the public.

The West Ham midfielder, who has denied four separate charges brought against him by the FA in May, has claimed “misleading and inaccurate” reporting has put at risk his chances of a fair disciplinary hearing.

The 27-year-old Brazil international faces a long suspension if found guilty, with one of the charges being for getting booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.

In a statement released on X, Paqueta said: “I am frustrated and upset to 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 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.”

Paqueta, signed by West Ham from Lyon for £36.5million in August 2022, has featured in all seven of their Premier League games this season, scoring twice.