Stefan Borson
Thu 15 May 2025 7:00, UK
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta is moving closer to hearing the outcome of his spot-fixing case after an update has emerged.
The 27-year-old is accused of picking up four bookings for the purpose of financial gain after being charged by the FA in May 2024.
The Brazil international picked up the yellow cards for West Ham in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023.
The midfielder continues to play for the club more than two years after the alleged offences took place.
Paqueta’s hearing started on 17 March, but it was adjourned on 4 April after the independent panel overseeing the case was unable to conclude proceedings in the initial three-week time slot.
However, the Telegraph reported on 7 May the case has resumed and will be concluded this week, with a verdict expected to be delivered within four to five weeks.
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Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Paqueta is in an “absolutely horrendous” position as his career is on the line.
The FA is seeking a lifetime ban for Paqueta after handing out the charges last May.
The Brazilian has continuously denied any wrongdoing, having admitted he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the allegations.
Lucas Paqueta West Ham
(Credit Imago)
FA to accelerate Lucas Paqueta decision
Borson insisted the FA will want to resolve Paqueta’s situation before the start of next season if he is found guilty.
He told Football Insider: “It seems quite short for a decision, just because it’s been quite a long hearing.
“I think it was three weeks before the break and then presumably another week now. It is liability only. Remember, you’ve got the liability section and then you’ve got the sanction hearing if the allegations are proven.
“I would think that they’re going to want to try and get the whole thing resolved before the start of next season. Now, there’s the appeal issue, but that’s one side. If he is found guilty, then I think that they will want to sanction him before the start of next season.
“It’s gone on long enough, and I’m not surprised that it’s taken its toll on the player. It must be absolutely horrendous, particularly if you say you didn’t do it. In many ways, it’s surprising that he’s been able to play throughout the whole thing.
“But if he has done it, we know that the FA are seeking a lifetime ban. The reality is whether it’s a lifetime ban or whether it’s two or three years, it equates broadly to the same thing.
“It’s a very high-pressure situation. It’s going to come to a head pretty soon. There must be a lot of evidence against him, just because of the nature of the allegations and what we’ve heard about it and what we’ve seen in Brazil.
“But he’s put up a defence, so we’ll have to see.”
Appearances 34
Goals 5
Assists 0
Yellow Cards 9
Lucas Paqueta’s 2024-25 stats (all competitions)
West Ham ready big summer overhaul
Football Insider revealed on 28 April West Ham are preparing for another big overhaul ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Hammers could allow several first-team stars to leave as they look to fund a new wave of signings and back Graham Potter.
West Ham moved up to 15th in the Premier League table following their 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday (11 May).
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