Stefan Borson
Sun 9 March 2025 14:26, UK
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been facing an anxious wait to hear what the verdict will be in his alleged betting breaches case.
The 27-year-old is accused of picking up four bookings for the purpose of financial gain, but he has strongly denied the charges.
The Brazil international picked up the yellow cards for West Ham in 2022 and 2023, and he continues to play for the club two years later.
Paqueta will face no action in Brazil despite giving evidence before the country’s Senate Commission earlier last month on the allegations.
Sky Sports reported on 6 March the attacking midfielder’s case will start this month and last three weeks, with the FA seeking a lifetime ban.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Paqueta will be in “serious trouble” if he is found guilty.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Former London Stadium senior scout Mick Brown told Football Insider West Ham are preparing to sign Paqueta’s replacement ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian joined the east London side from Lyon for £51million in 2022 and has since gone on to register 18 goals and 14 assists in 110 appearances.
West Ham Man City
Lucas Paqueta to hear betting breaches verdict this summer
Borson revealed Paqueta will likely learn the verdict of his case at the end of this season.
He told Football Insider: “They will reserve the position and go away and think about it.
“They won’t give it at the end of the hearing. This is a major decision, but we’ll have to see what the evidence is.
“I haven’t read the Brazilian evidence. There’s been a lot of evidence in Brazil. I suspect they’ve got pretty clear evidence.
“It’s the sort of thing where you’re going to be able to join those dots quite easily I would think and, if he’s done it, he’s in serious trouble.
“He’s only 27 as well, so a lifetime ban would be very significant. It feels like a lot. He’s 28 in August.
“If it’s two years, he certainly wouldn’t be playing back in the Premier League again.
“I suspect the decision will come at the end of the season.”
Appearances (Starts) 26 (21)
Goals 5
Assists 0
Yellow Cards 7
Lucas Paqueta’s 2024-25 campaign in numbers (all competitions)
West Ham want to sign Taylor-Harwood Bellis
Football Insider revealed on 4 March West Ham want to sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis if Southampton are relegated from the Premier League this season.
The 23-year-old, who scored on his England debut against the Republic of Ireland in November last year, is keen to remain in the top flight.
West Ham have conceded 47 goals in the Premier League this season, with new manager Graham Potter looking to tighten things up at the back ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts