23 August 2023 , 09:41
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Three yellow cards given to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta are at the centre of the FA's gambling probe, including one he picked up in the first game of this season.
It emerged earlier this month that the Brazilian was being investigated by the FA for alleged betting breaches. The news emerged with Paqueta the subject of interest from Manchester City, but a potential move to the Etihad is now understood to be off.
Last week, Paqueta was left out of the Brazil squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with interim boss Fernando Diniz saying the decision was a last minute one to allow the player to "resolve these issues".
Diniz told reporters: "Paqueta was on the list, he's a player I like a lot. It's a time for him to resolve these issues. People need time to sort these issues out. He's a player I love, I have the best impressions of him."
The Daily Mail are now reporting that the FA have been conducting a secret five-month investigation into suspicious bets on Paqueta getting booked in three West Ham games. The report states the first yellow card occurred in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on March 11, while the second came in a 3-1 win over Leeds on May 21.
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However, it is claimed Paqueta's booking in West Ham's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 12 'accelerated a previously secret five-month investigation' and caused the collapse of his proposed move to City.
Integrity officials are said to have informed the FA of an anti-corruption alert which was triggered by bets on Paqueta to be booked against Bournemouth, with the FA then informing both the player and West Ham two days later after 'conducting their own due diligence'.
Paqueta has continued to play for West Ham after being made aware of the investigation (Getty Images)The report adds that Paqueta was unaware that he was being investigated before then, with suspicious bets on all three yellow cards traced to accounts registered in Paqueta Island near Rio de Janeiro.
Sky Sports state that Paqueta is shocked by the news and 'says he has not placed any bets himself', while West Ham have stuck by the player with manager David Moyes starting him in the 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday.
When asked about his decision to star Paqueta, Moyes said: "There was never any doubt about picking him. He's a solid and tough character so no problems. It was just a terrific performance from him."
The FA and West Ham have been contacted for comment.