West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is calling on the Football Association to investigate "misleading" leaks related to his betting case.
Paqueta was charged by the FA in May, accused of deliberately receiving a booking to "improperly influence the betting market."
The 27-year-old has denied all four charges and claims that "misleading and inaccurate" reports are jeopardizing his chances of receiving a fair disciplinary hearing.
“I am frustrated and upset to to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case,” Paqueta wrote on X, external.
“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 four charges relate to Premier League fixtures against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023.
Paqueta has remained eligible to play for West Ham since learning of the charges but could be facing a lengthy ban if a breach is proven.
“The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential and they are extremely serious for me and my family,” Paqueta added.
“The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a 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.”
Paqueta joined West Ham from French club Lyon in August 2022 for an initial £36.5m.
The Brazil midfielder has scored two goals in seven Premier League appearance this season.
REF: BBC
