Lucas Paqueta has issued a strongly-worded statement in reaction to the English FA’s decision to charge him for breaching betting rules, MySportDab reports.
After nine months of intense investigation, the FA have finally decided to slam charges on Lucas Paqueta.
In a report shared by Fabrizio Romano, the English football governing made their case for the decision to proceed with a charge against Paqueta.
Excerpts from the report accused Paqueta of intentionally committing fouls on three occasions during matches to receive malicious yellow cards.
The mischief by the player has been linked to his betting activities, as claimed by the report. He is also indicted for failing to cooperate with the FA during the investigations.
A few minutes after the FA made public their decision to charge him, Paqueta took to his social media to blast the FA for their decision to charge.
The Brazil international disputed FA claims that he had refused to cooperate with the body during the investigations. According to him, he had provided all the information they needed, hence shocked that he was still charged on unfounded claims.
The highly-rated midfielder added he is innocent and will fight the charges with all within his arsenal.
“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me.
“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,” he wrote on social media.
— Lucas Paquetá (@LucasPaqueta97) May 23, 2024
Paqueta could face a ban if found guilty. He has been given until June 3, 2024 to respond to the charges with the matter set to be heard by an independent commission.
