**West Ham United are growing increasingly frustrated with the Football Association (FA) as Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing case is set to spill into a new season, [The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35723871/west-ham-lucas-paqueta-spot-fixing-case/) reports.**
The 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder is due to return for pre-season training tomorrow, but he does so with a heavy weight on his shoulders as the possibility of a career-threatening ban still hangs over him.
The FA’s investigation into Paqueta began in August 2023. Nearly two years later, neither the player nor the club has received a verdict.
A formal hearing finally got underway in March and wrapped up last month, but the long delay in delivering a decision has left both parties in limbo.
The long-drawn-out case has taken its toll on Paqueta. During the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur towards the end of last season, Paqueta broke down in tears after being shown a yellow card.
The charges against him are overwhelming. He has been charged with four counts of spot-fixing after being accused of deliberately getting booked in Premier League games.
The bets in question were allegedly placed across several bookmakers and were reportedly traced back to Paqueta Island in Brazil, where the midfielder grew up.
Paqueta has denied all accusations and maintains his innocence. But the FA are pushing for a life ban if the former AC Milan midfielder is found guilty.
The ongoing case scuppered Paqueta’s blockbuster £85 million move to Manchester City last summer. Since then, [his form has dipped](https://westhamblog.co.uk/posts/west-ham-to-consider-dropping-lucas-paqueta-due-to-the-strain-of-his-betting-case/), and he has looked like a player weighed down by more than just on-pitch pressure.
West Ham have stood by their player publicly. But they’re also open to parting ways with Paqueta this summer if a decent bid arrives.
The Brazilian has two years left on his contract, but the Hammers are open to doing business to raise funds for new signings.
At the moment, there are no takers. And any deal for Paqueta will be complicated by the uncertainty hanging over his head.