Lucas Paqueta breaks his silence with 87-word statement slamming 'entirely false' claims over his ongoing alleged betting breaches probe - which could see West Ham star banned for life

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Lucas Paqueta has hit out at ‘entirely false’ information being reported around his betting charges and has called on the FA to investigate ‘leaks’ regarding his case.

The West Ham midfielder, 27, was charged with spot-fixing in May and is accused of being deliberately booked in four games between 2022 and 2023.

If found guilty, Paqueta could face a lifetime ban. The Brazilian, who denies any wrongdoing, will face a hearing in March.

Recent reports claimed the FA are bringing two new charges for alleged non-cooperation and are accusing Paqueta of obstructing the investigation, but he dismissed that version of events on Thursday.

‘I am frustrated and upset to have read misleading and inaccurate articles in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case,’ said Paqueta. ‘Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position.

Lucas Paqueta has alleged that someone close to his betting case is leaking false information

Paqueta took to X to post a statement where he once again denies the charges against him

The FA charged West Ham's Paqueta with breaking betting rules in May of this year

‘I am also concerned that, although they are false, 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 of inaccurate information is putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing. I have therefore instructed my lawyers to write to the FA to request they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain.’