Lucas Paqueta’s lawyers have requested more time to respond to his Football Association (FA) charge for alleged betting breaches.

The West Ham United midfielder was charged with misconduct by the FA on May 23 had until June 3 to respond to the charges, which he denies.

The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) said last week it was informed by the FA that due to the details of the case it anticipated an extension may be requested.

The FA opened an investigation into Paqueta, 26, last August. He has been charged with four alleged breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in West Ham’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.

In a statement, the FA said that Paqueta “sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting”.

Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 “in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2”.

FA Rule F2 allows the FA to require any participant to attend and answer questions, provide documents, information, or other materials upon reasonable notice. If a participant does not comply with these requests, it can be considered a breach of FA Rule F3, which constitutes misconduct.

Following the charge, Paqueta wrote on social media: “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me.

“For nine months, 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.

“Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing further comment.”

Last week, the CBF cleared Paqueta to play for Brazil at this summer’s Copa America.

The federation wrote to the FA to establish he was not provisionally suspended from playing for his club or country.

West Ham, meanwhile, said that Paqueta “denies the breach and will continue to robustly defend his position”.

They added: “The club will continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded.”

(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)