Lucas Paqueta asked West Ham manager David Moyes to exclude him from the Premier League match that led to his spot-fixing charges. The Brazilian midfielder, 26, is accused of deliberately getting booked in four games to help friends profit from bets. Paqueta denies the allegations, stating, “The decision made me sad but my lawyers will now do everything to change it.”

The FA’s investigation was triggered by Paqueta’s 93rd-minute yellow card in last season’s opener against Bournemouth. Paqueta reportedly sought to avoid this match to prevent injury, jeopardizing a proposed £80 million transfer to Manchester City. Despite his preference to sit out, he played following discussions with Moyes and senior West Ham figures.

Paqueta’s legal team plans to highlight his efforts to avoid the match and the timing of the booking to dispute the charges. The FA case will be heard by an independent commission this summer. If found guilty, Paqueta could face a multi-year ban, with precedents suggesting severe penalties for similar offenses.

Lucas Paquetá

This season he played in total 31 times for 2639 minutes for Premier League.

Lucas Paquetá scored 3 goals for West Ham United. He procured 7 assists. He received 11 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 9th in Premier League. In the last match West Ham United lost 3-1 against Manchester City.

West Ham United performance and stats

West Ham United is currently 9th in the Premier League with 52 points.

In the last 38 games, it has won 14 times, drawn 10 times, and lost 14 times. In its last match, West Ham United lost 3-1 against Manchester City.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 59 goals and conceding 71.​