West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Wed 25 June 2025 20:10, UK
Lucas Paqueta faces a nervous wait to find out whether he can play for West Ham United again.
The 27-year-old is accused of deliberately being booked on four separate occasions to influence gambling markets.
Paqueta has denied any wrongdoing, but if he is found guilty, the Football Association will push for a lifetime ban, which could end his career.
The case has been hanging over Paqueta for around 14 months and has had a significant impact on his mental wellbeing and form at the London Stadium.
Lucas Paqueta's Premier League stats for West Ham last season.
Paqueta’s performances were affected by the hearing. (Credit: Imago)
Paqueta delay goes on for West Ham
The wait for an outcome is expected to drag on for another few weeks, which has left West Ham sources furious.
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Sports lawyer Mo Pasricha has claimed that the reason for the delay could be due to evidence against the Brazilian.
Asked about what was causing the hold-up on talkSPORT (25 June, 12:15pm), he said: “Potentially, evidence that undermines his position.
“Ultimately, why wouldn’t you want to get your career back on track?
“Where was he at the trajectory, if you take that moment in time, he had some of the top clubs in the world and I am sure there is opportunities that unfortunately he is not able to take and pursue.”
West Ham need Paqueta saga to end quickly
Paqueta was seemingly on the verge of a £80million move to Manchester City before the charges were brought against him.
Graham Potter needs a resolution to the situation sooner rather than later, so he can adjust his plans in the transfer market depending on the outcome, with the business that is done potentially shaping his future in E20.
If Paqueta is banned for life, Ian Darke exclusively told West Ham Zone that the Irons will have a force majeure clause in his contract where they would not be obligated to pay him had he broken the rules.
However, if he is found not to have committed any wrongdoing, then Potter can move on and either build his side around the Brazil star or sell him to raise funds for a pivotal summer rebuild that needs several reinforcements in key positions.
The current delay is not doing any party any favours, particularly the players’ mental health, and the saga needs to be resolved quickly, for everybody’s benefit, as it has gone on for far too long.
It not fair on Paqueta or the East London club to be kept waiting and it does not do the FA’s reputation any benefit by letting it drag on any further than it needs to.
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