Lucas Paqueta in West Ham away shirt
Credit: Manh Tung
Mark Smith
Sun 2 November 2025 7:10, UK
Lucas Paqueta has faced the two footballing years from hell at West Ham United.
The FA first started their investigation into Paqueta in 2023, being charged with allegedly breaching betting rules over four yellow cards.
Paqueta was finally cleared of those charges in July after two years, with his struggles translating onto the pitch at the London Stadium.
It is no surprise that happened, but despite that, the FA have gone on to sanction Paqueta for failing to comply with a requirement to answer questions and provide information.
Nuno will hope that it is all behind them at West Ham, but it may not be the end for Paqueta.
Nuno Espirito Santo crosses his arms on the touchline as he manages a West Ham game against Brentford.
Credit: Imago
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Lucas Paqueta given final FA sanction at West Ham
Paqueta, thankfully, appears to have taken the last of his so-called punishments from this saga.
Andy Dunn, writing in the print edition of the Sunday Mirror on 2 November, believes the latest sanction was as gentle as you could imagine after all of the pain suffered by the midfielder before.
It is said that the midfielder repeatedly gave no comment answers in his two interviews with the FA.
“Only as sanctions go, this one is as gentle a slap on the wrist as you could imagine,” Dunn wrote.
“For two proven instances of failing to comply during the FA’s investigation into alleged breaches of gambling rules, Paqueta has been given a ‘reprimand and a warning as to future conduct’.
“In two interviews, Paqueta repeatedly gave ‘no comment’ answers.”
Lucas Paqueta celebrating for West Ham by holding his hands to his ears
credit: Imago
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What could happen next with Lucas Paqueta?
The FA looks to have attempted to save their own skin with the reasoning behind these latest and hopefully last charges and sanctions.
Paqueta just wanted to play the game he loved, yet it has been recognised that the impact of these unproven charges has been huge financially for the player, and sporting-wise, with his failed move to Manchester City explained.
Dunn went on to share that it would be no surprise if the South American takes legal action of his own, something that has yet to be ruled out.
He said: “The commission also said it recognised ‘that an element of mental stress suffered by the player included his realisation that, had the charges been proved, his footballing career would almost certainly have come to an end.’
“This is very serious stuff. And it would probably surprise no one if Paqueta did decide to take legal action over the matter.”
With West Ham set for a crucial Premier League showdown with Newcastle on Sunday at the London Stadium, hopefully, Paqueta can let his football do the talking first.
Nuno is desperate for his first win in charge of the Hammers, and doing so would put them three points behind Burnley and safety, for now.
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