West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has firmly denied the match-fixing accusations against him, pointing to leaks from individuals close to the case who, he claims, are trying to damage his reputation.

Paquetá is accused by the English Football Association (FA) of allegedly receiving yellow cards intentionally in specific Premier League matches as part of a match-fixing scheme. The Brazilian player is set to face a hearing in March next year, and the outcome could severely impact his football career.

In an Instagram post, Paquetá addressed rumors that, if found guilty, he could face a lifetime ban from football.

"I am frustrated and saddened to read incorrect and false articles in the press, both in Brazil and England, claiming to know details about my case. Some of this information is completely false and seems to be coming out to damage my image. I am also concerned that, even though this information is false, these articles cite sources close to the case," Paquetá wrote.

"The FA's proceedings are supposedly confidential, and this situation is extremely serious for me and my family. The continued leaking and publication of false information is jeopardizing my ability to receive a fair trial. Therefore, I have asked my lawyers to write to the FA to request an investigation into how this information, whether true or false, is being made public. I will continue to deny the charges and hope to prove my innocence," he added.

According to reports from the English press, Paquetá’s deliberate yellow cards allegedly resulted in profits of up to £100,000 (€120,000) for around 60 people in Brazil.