If confirmed, the English FA will cover Paquetá's legal fees, which could reach approximately R$90 million (US$16m). The Football Association (FA)'s official decision was expected last week, but never came.
Paquetá, 27, has been accused since May of forcing cards for the benefit of bettors in matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. The player has always denied the accusations.
The hearing began in March and concluded in June. West Ham wanted to expedite the process to determine whether it would have to resort to the market to replace the player in the event of a severe punishment.
He remains active during the investigation led by the Football Association (FA), the English football federation. But he has suffered consequences, including the termination of a negotiation that would have taken him to Manchester City.
Understand the case
In an official statement released by the FA in May of last year, Paquetá was accused of violating the rules of conduct related to sports betting in matches against Leicester City on November 12, 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023, all last season; and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023, in the first match of the 2023/24 season.
He received yellow cards in all four matches in question. Upon being charged, Paquetá denied any involvement in betting: "I am extremely surprised and upset by the FA's decision to charge me. For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of the investigation and provided all possible information. I completely deny the allegations and will fight with all my strength to clear my name. Due to the ongoing proceedings, I will not be making any further comment."
The Brazilian was charged with four breaches of Rule E5. 1 of the English FA regarding his conduct in four English Premier League matches. This rule states that a player "shall not, directly or indirectly, attempt to influence, for improper purposes, the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect or occurrence in or in connection with a match or competition."
According to FA documentation, betting offenses are separate and distinct from match-fixing charges. However, when it can be proven that a bet affected the outcome or course of a match, the charge is specific, not an incident of betting offense. A player convicted of interfering with the outcome or course of a match can be banned for life.
According to the FA, the allegation is that Paquetá "sought to directly influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect or occurrence of these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market so that one or more persons could profit from betting."
The FA does not detail in its disciplinary regulations the range of sanctions for violating Rule E5.1. However, in cases of using inside information for betting purposes, a player can face a suspension of between six months and a lifetime ban, in addition to a fine.
The FA noted in May that the Brazilian was also charged with two breaches of Rule F3, which could constitute misconduct in answering questions and providing documents.
Source: GMB
