UPDATE: Paqueta has since released his own statement.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Lucas Paqueta of West Ham was being investigated in an ongoing alleged betting case.
The Hammers star allegedly handed his phone into the FA 12 months ago, after an investigation began regarding suspicious betting patterns.
The FA then allegedly kept his phone for approximately eight weeks last Autumn, analysing call logs, messages and bank records.
During this period, it was reported that Paqueta bought a replacement handset.
And after that, it was reported that he threw out the phone when it was returned to him.
The player was then reportedly unable to locate his phone at a later date when the FA required it.
As a result, the have FA accused him of obstructing their probe with the charges issued in May, including two aggravated breaches for non-cooperation.
Paqueta was originally accused of suspicious booking in four games – Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth.
The hearing is expected to take place next March, however the verdict is not expected until after the season, meaning that Paqueta is free to play for the rest of the season.
Paqueta himself has since released a statement on the issue, saying: “I am frustrated and upset to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case. Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position. I am also concerned that, although they are false and misteading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case.”
“The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential, and they are extremely serious for me and my family. The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving fair hearing, I have, therefore, instructed my lawyers to write to The FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain. I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence.“
