São Paulo, Brazil – The trial that could determine the future of Brazilian footballer Lucas Paquetá began this week, as the West Ham United midfielder faces allegations of breaching betting regulations in a scandal that allegedly benefited his friends and family.
The English Football Association (FA) accuses Paquetá of deliberately seeking yellow cards in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023. According to the charges, the incidents were premeditated, allowing associates to place safe bets on the midfielder being booked and secure financial gains.
The FA is seeking a ban that could effectively end Paquetá’s career. The case is being heard by an independent panel, and a verdict is expected within three weeks. Both the player and the FA will have the right to appeal to the English Appeals Board and, if necessary, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. A final resolution could take up to a year, during which Paquetá remains eligible to play.
The suspicious bets, which initially raised red flags among betting firms and led to an official investigation, were placed in Rio de Janeiro, Paquetá’s hometown. Wagers on the midfielder receiving yellow cards ranged from £7 ($9) to £400 ($520), with total winnings reaching up to £100,000 ($130,000). Investigators noted irregularities, including the creation of multiple betting accounts on the same days as the matches in question and an unusually high volume of bets on this specific scenario.
In May 2024, following a nine-month investigation, the FA formally charged Paquetá. The Brazilian responded by expressing shock and disappointment, stating that he had cooperated fully with authorities, denied all allegations, and vowed to fight to clear his name.
Read more: Investigated for soccer betting scandal, Brazil’s Lucas Paquetá still tipped to play in Copa América
A similar case occurred in England in 2021, involving Kynan Isaac, a former left-back for non-league side Stratford Town. Investigators found that Isaac had intentionally received a yellow card during an FA Cup match against Shrewsbury Town, leading to an unusual surge in betting activity. He was subsequently banned from football for 10 years.
In Paquetá’s case, the stakes are even higher, as four matches are under scrutiny. If the same disciplinary precedent is applied, he could face a ban of up to 40 years—effectively a lifetime expulsion from the sport.
Featured Image: West Ham United striker Lucas Paquetá. Photo credit: West Ham United via Instagram
