The Football Association (FA) of England has brought new charges against Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta of West Ham, according to The Sun.
In May, the FA charged Paquetá for violating betting regulations. The FA believes that the Brazilian intentionally got yellow cards in four matches during last season’s Premier League. It has been reported that around 60 people in Brazil placed bets on this outcome, potentially winning around £100,000. As a result, Paqueta could face a lifetime ban from football.
According to The Sun, last year the FA confiscated Paqueta's phone for two months to investigate his text messages, calls, and banking history. After the investigation, the phone was returned to him. However, when the investigators needed it again to clarify certain details, Paqueta claimed that he had disposed of the device.
Now, the FA is accusing him of obstructing the investigation.
Paquetá has denied all charges. A court hearing is scheduled for March 2025.
