Lucas Paqueta, David Moyes
(Credit: Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Mon 17 March 2025 17:20, UK
Lucas Paqueta is facing the prospect of being handed a lifetime ban from football after being embroiled in a legal battle with the FA over a spot-fixing controversy at West Ham United.
The West Ham star is accused of deliberately getting himself booked in four separate matches between November 2022 and August 2023 to influence betting markets.
Paqueta found himself in hot water after the FA launched an investigation following a yellow card he received in the 93rd minute of the Irons’ 1-1 Premier League draw with Bournemouth on 12 August 2023 for a handball offence.
One and a half years later, the FA are starting a hearing this month to determine whether or not the Brazil international is guilty, with a punishment as severe as a lifetime ban under consideration.
Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta maintains that he is innocent. (Credit: Imago)
Paqueta to raise David Moyes argument against FA
While West Ham have continued to back Paqueta in his stance that he is innocent, it is worth noting that the case has had financial consequences on them.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
The Hammers had agreed to sell the attacker to Manchester City for £80million when the FA informed them of the investigation, which then prompted Pep Guardiola’s side to withdraw from the deal.
As for Paqueta, the failed transfer to City will form a part of his defence in the battle against the FA, according to The Guardian.
Opponent Date Offence
Leicester November 2022 Yellow card in 60th minute
Aston Villa March 2023 Yellow card in 70th minute
Leeds United May 2023 Yellow card in 65th minute
Bournemouth August 2023 Yellow card in 93rd minute
Paqueta offences that are being investigated.
The newspaper reported via their website on Monday (17 March) that the 27-year-old claims he had asked David Moyes not to play him against Bournemouth to avoid risking his agreed move to Manchester City in any way.
His lawyer, Nick De Marco KC, will use this to defend against the accusation that the player was part of a betting conspiracy to get booked.
West Ham
Guardiola wanted to sign Paqueta at Manchester City.
West Ham fear worst for Paqueta
A source close to Paqueta has claimed that the Brazilian spoke to Moyes ahead of the game at the Vitality Stadium, with the manager agreeing to substitute him as early as possible if the game was won.
The claim that Paqueta was not expecting to be on the pitch as late as the 93rd minute is now being used as a defence in his legal battle.
However, West Ham are fearing the worst for the former Lyon ace, who could be handed a lifetime ban if he is found guilty.
It remains to be seen if he and his legal team can avoid such a fate when the hearing starts this month.
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