Lucas Paqueta faces a nervous wait to find out his West Ham future.
(Credit: Imago)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Ian Darke
Fri 20 June 2025 14:25, UK
West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta is still waiting to find out the verdict from his Football Association Hearing.
The Brazilian could be banned for life if he is found guilty of the alleged offences, which would effectively end his football career, not just his London Stadium one.
The Hammers star is accused of deliberately being booked on four separate occasions to influence gambling markets but has denied any wrongdoing.
Graham Potter’s side needs clarity on the situation heading into a crucial summer transfer window.
Lucas Paqueta's Premier League stats for West Ham last season.
Paqueta’s performances were affected by the hearing. (Credit: Imago)
FA slammed for West Ham Paqueta wait
The Irons are understood to be furious as they may have to wait until July or even August to find out Paqueta’s fate, despite the hearing being completed.
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Iconic commentator Ian Darke has blasted the FA over the delay on a verdict as the player’s mental health has clearly been affected.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “I think it has been very unfair for them, and West Ham are not happy about it, I totally get why they are not happy.
“It is a bit like the financial charges against Manchester City, I think people are entitled to ask ‘what the heck is taking so long?’
“Alright, it may be a complicated case and you are talking about whether a player’s career is going to be finished by it, so is it important that they make the right decision.
“But, I think to be fair to all parties, including Paqueta, who I think has gone through mental turmoil by everything we hear from his wife and family, they need to put him out of his misery and allow West Ham a bit of time to make some plans, if they are not going to have him.
“I’m sure there is a good reason for the hold-up, but somebody needs to explain to us what that is.”
London Stadium
Paqueta may never featured in E20 again. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham need Paqueta answer quickly
The East London outfit need an answer on Paqueta’s future as soon as possible, so David Sullivan and Co can sort their transfer plans.
Regardless of whether Potter wants to keep Paqueta or sell him, with the potential of an £80million switch to Manchester City on the cards before the charges were brought, it needs to be concluded soon.
It is not fair to keep the club or the player waiting in anguish, the Hammers may need to sort a replacement and the 27-year-old could be forced to wave goodbye to life as he knows it.
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