West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta faces a career-ending ban from football if he is found guilty of breaching betting rules.
It was claimed back in November 2024 that the West Ham owners feared Lucas Paqueta could receive a lifetime ban, if found guilty of the charges levelled against him.
The trial of Lucas Paqueta is still rumbling on in the background – a full 19 after the investigation into the West Ham star’s alleged misdemeanours began.
The 27-year-old has endured an incredibly difficult time at the London Stadium during that time.
And on Wednesday it emerged that Paqueta’s FA trial, which is expected to begin imminently, will last for three weeks – the longest of its kind.
The Brazilian’s fate will be decided by an independent three-person panel, and his trial will start this month.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
It has also emerged that the FA are seeking to ban Paqueta for life (Sky Sports) – just as the Hammers hierarchy feared.
The thought of losing the Brazil international for a prolonged period of time is a really demoralising one for West Ham.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Paqueta has rediscovered some of his best form since the arrival of Graham Potter, but that could all be taken away from him in an instant.
Lucas Paqueta didn’t give FA his phone amid betting investigation
It’s incredible to think that Paqueta has been playing for the Hammers under this cloud of uncertainty for over 18 months now.
Some will say that he hasn’t helped matters by not cooperating fully with the FA.
However, now the real reason why Paqueta didn’t hand his phone over to the FA has now come to light.
And in fairness to the 27-year-old, it actually makes a lot of sense.
According to the Daily Mail, the FA ‘seized Paqueta’s phone for two months last year while investigators looked into his messages, calls, and banking history, so he bought a new one. They gave it back, but recalled it as they wanted to check extra details, however Paqueta had thrown it away’.
There you have it.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
It wasn’t a case of Paqueta refusing to hand over his phone, but more of a situation whereby he physically couldn’t.
Whether that means he will be treated with leniency or not remains to be seen.
West Ham fans sent Lucas Paqueta warning
The Hammers fans are panicking right now about what the future may hold for our so-called Brazilian magnifico.
However, Hammers insider Sean Whetstone took to his account account on Wednesday night to provide some clarification on the Paqueta situation.
He highlighted how the former Lyon midfielder has not yet been charged with any crimes out in his native Brazil:
Before everyone writes Lucas Paqueta off before the hearing has even started.
The Brazilian parliament hearings decided not to recommend prosecution against Paqueta despite others facing charges.
Brazilian police investigated but bought no charges against Paqueta
Even though… pic.twitter.com/BHUv7pBCCk
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) March 5, 2025
View Tweet
That is a fair comment from Whetstone, and it has to count for something.
The pure and simple facts are that, in the UK, anyone charged with an alleged crime is innocent until proven guilty.
People seem to forget that.
It remains to be seen what ends up happening with West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.
But the good news is that we should all get answers within the next month or so.
Then everyone can finally move on, whatever the outcome may be.