West Ham, Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta is set to face an FA hearing. (Credit: Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Wed 5 March 2025 19:03, UK
The FA’s hearing in relation to West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta’s betting charges is going to be a long one.
West Ham star Paqueta was handed four charges which relate to four Premier League games in which the midfielder is alleged to have intentionally received a booking.
The first alleged incident took place in November 2022, when the Brazilian was booked on the hour mark against Leicester City, while the second charge related to a game in March 2023 against Aston Villa when he fouled John McGinn.
Paqueta’s third charge relates to an encounter with Leeds United at the end of the 2022/23 season, when he received a yellow card for a late challenge on Crysencio Summerville.
The fourth case relates to the opening game of the 2023/24 season against Bournemouth, in which the creative midfielder picked up a booking.
Lucas Paqueta
West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta is in hot water. (Credit: Imago)
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Paqueta’s hearing this month will create history
Paqueta has made over 100 appearances for West Ham since joining from French Ligue 1 side Lyon back in 2022.
He has made 23 Premier League outings this season, scoring four goals in the process while his last appearance came against Brentford on 15 February
The West Ham playmaker is set to face an FA hearing later this month, which will last three weeks according to Sky Sports‘ liveblog [17.51pm 5 March].
Lucas Paqueta stats 2024/25 Premier League
Appearances 23
Goals 4
Assists 0
Lucas Paqueta’s stats from the current Premier League season
The three-week hearing will be one of the longest court proceedings in the FA’s history, while English football’s governing body is seeking a lifetime ban for the 27-year-old.
When the charges were made back in May 2024, Paqueta said he was “surprised” and “upset” by them as he denied any wrongdoing.
West Ham
West Ham flag at London Stadium [Credit: Imago]
West Ham set for major Paqueta blow
West Ham paid an initial transfer fee of £36.5m to acquire Paqueta’s services during the summer of 2022.
He proved to be a solid signing during his first campaign at the London Stadium, as he notched a return of five goals and seven assists across all competitions.
Most notably, he scored one goal and made four assists during the 2022/23 Conference League campaign which contributed towards West Ham winning their first ever European trophy.
He continued to show his creative tendencies last season, when he bagged four goals and six assists in 31 Premier League appearances, while he has continued to show his quality at the London Stadium this season.
However, in the wake of the betting charges against Paqueta, West Ham will have to brace themselves for life without the Brazilian who appears likely to be handed a lifetime ban by the FA, who are set to hold a lengthy hearing.