Lucas Paqueta’s first hearing starts in Brazil on 30th October with the Parliamentary Enquiry into the betting allegations starting: The F A Enquiry is due in March 2024 and clearly Lucas Paquetá feels very strongly about recent comments and as he alleges, ‘leaks’ which have come from the English FA.
In a tweet just released on his personal Twitter X account, West Ham’s under fire Paquetá has issued his own statement in English and Spanish:
“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 misleading, 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.”
Clearly the Player is furious about the source and method by which ‘inaccurate information’ is finding its way onto the public domain which he claims is prejudicing his chances of receiving a fair hearing.
The player is no doubt receiving his own professional advice and feels he needs to take on the FA head-on if he is to receive a fair opportunity to prove his innocence.
The FA are not taking on some lower league or non league player here. Paqueta is able to pay a top brief out of his weekly wage, he doesn’t even need to break into reserves.
The recent non compliance charges were frankly weak, better evidence of the FA fouling up than of Paqueta not complying. If leaked info did indeed come from an FA source either officially or unofficially he’ll tear them a new one.
English and Portuguese, not English and Spanish.
I would suggest anybody writing stories about Lucas Paqueta without knowing the true facts should make sure they have a very good lawyer.
If the content of this story is factual, then perhaps it is a mistake to assume that Paqueta is capable of performing to his potential as long as he is under investigation and should therefore not be considered for team selection until he can show that is no longer the case.
The club should surely now launch an investigation into any alleged leaks and, if proven, should seek appropriate penalties and compensation.