- Lucas Paqueta, a midfielder for West Ham United and Brazil, is accused of receiving yellow cards purposely, which is considered a breach of betting rules.
- Paqueta isn’t being accused of match-fixing, but since you can bet on players receiving cards, the FA could consider that a breach.
- Paqueta’s wife took to social media to defend her husband, who could face a lifetime ban if found guilty.
The relationship between sports and betting has come under the microscope recently. Since leagues are now in partnerships with sportsbooks, there has been a lot of examination about the possibility of players skirting the betting rules.
Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali have received punishments from the English Football Association (FA) in the past few years. Lucas Paqueta could join them, and Paqueta’s wife has spoken out.
Paqueta Facing “Nightmare” for Alleged Deliberate Yellow Cards
Paqueta’s wife, Maria Eduarda Fournier, posted a message on her social media:
“My husband has a stance and strength that I admire and that impresses me! We've been living this nightmare for two years, and he's always been strong…
He always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and in the right place… Anyway, God knows all things, and only he knows why we are going through this! And it is only because of him that we are well and living happily as a family. I just want people to respect that.
"People are mean and unfair without knowing anything."
Paqueta, who plays midfield for West Ham United and Brazil, is accused of taking yellow cards on purpose, with the intent of someone profiting from betting. This allegedly happened in four games between 2022 and 2023. Paqueta responded in May 2024:
"I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name. I will not be providing any further comment."
This comes after Paqueta emotionally broke down after receiving a yellow card on May 3, 2025, in a match against Tottenham. He’s been backed by West Ham manager Graham Potter, and his teammates.
Could Paqueta Actually Receive a Lifetime Ban?
It’s tough to say what Paqueta could get as a punishment, if found guilty. He had a hearing in March 2025, and there has been no decision yet. It is enough to take Manchester City out of transfer negotiations with West Ham as they would like to buy the midfielder.
There have been recent cases of betting breaches, as Brentford’s Ivan Toney was banned for eight months over his charges. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali received a ten-month ban for his offenses, and another two months later on. Based on these cases, a lifetime ban isn’t likely, but it is on the table.
The FA will surely be working with soccer betting sites to try to ensure this doesn’t happen again. But sports and betting are solidly linked now, so don’t be surprised to see more of these allegations in the future.
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