West Ham star Lucas Paqueta is still waiting to find out the result of an FA hearing into allegations of illegal betting, which concluded last month but is dragging on
Lucas Paqueta of West Ham
Lucas Paqueta is still waiting for the outcome of his spot-fixing case(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
West Ham are growing increasingly incensed by the slow progress in the Lucas Paqueta case and are worried about the impact on their player. Paqueta has been investigated by the FA for alleged breaches of betting rules, but despite the hearing starting in March and finishing in June, he is still awaiting its outcome.
The FA launched its probe back in August 2023 into allegations that the West Ham playmaker was involved in spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023.
Although Paqueta did not place any bets himself, it is alleged that friends and family in Brazil profited after betting on yellow cards for the midfielder. He has denied the allegations and any wrongdoing.
Paqueta has been impacted by the allegations hanging over his head, which could trigger a lifetime ban if proven. He was in tears after picking up a booking in West Ham’s match against Tottenham in May, with the emotional weight of the case refusing to go away.
West Ham have done everything in their power to protect Paqueta and support him and The Sun says they are furious that the case has dragged on. The squad will reconvene for pre-season training on Tuesday, meaning that another campaign could be impacted by the allegations.
Having started the investigation in August 2023 and officially charged Paqueta in May 2024, the club are bewildered at how long the process is taking.
The case scuppered a potential £85million transfer from the Hammers to Manchester City a few years ago and his form has suffered since. They are willing to sell again this summer, but know the case is likely to scare off any interested parties.
Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United reacts as Referee Michael Oliver (not pictured) attempts to speak with him
Lucas Paqueta was overcome with emotion after being booked against Spurs in May
Manager Graham Potter says the situation has taken its toll on the 27-year-old and his family. “I think he's just a player that's trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action,” Potter said after having to substitute him in the Spurs game.
“And then you see a human being, not perfect but I love Lucas, he's given everything and in difficult circumstances he's in as well.”
His wife Duda took to Instagram in the aftermath of that game, describing their situation as “a living nightmare”. She wrote: “My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me. We've been living this nightmare for two years, and he's ALWAYS strong... he's always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place!
“There's NOTHING against him. Have you never noticed that? Anyway, God knows everything, and only HE knows why we're going through this! And only because of HIM are we well and living happily as a family! 'I just wish people would respect him.. People are mean and unfair, without knowing ANYTHING!”