Keith Wyness
Fri 16 May 2025 13:56, UK
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been in limbo over his potential gambling rules breach and even burst into tears after picking up a booking against Tottenham earlier this month.
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.
The Telegraph reported on 7 May the case resumed and has now concluded, with a verdict expected to be delivered towards the end of June.
Paqueta continues to play for West Ham more than two years after the alleged offences – namely picking up four bookings for the purpose of financial gain – occured.
The FA is seeking a lifetime ban for Paqueta after handing out the charges last May.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted West Ham remain confident the midfielder will be exonerated.
Paqueta previously came close to joining Man City for around £80million.
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Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed Man City will come in for the Brazil international if he is cleared.
West Ham paid Lyon a fee of around £36.5million in 2022 – with City originally agreeing to sign him for £80million a year later, before the investigation was made public.
Wyness claimed an on-pitch renaissance is still possible for Paqueta with Sandro Tonali returning to form at Newcastle after serving a gambling-related ban.
Appearances (Starts) 34 (28)
Minutes Played 2494
Goals 5
Assists 0
Yellow Cards 9
Paqueta’s West Ham stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s wrong that this case has taken so long.
“I know there have been problems with lawyer conflicts and scheduling.
“Paqueta burst into tears recently after being booked, I felt sorry for him – this has obviously taken its toll.
“There’s no doubt it will affect you when you have something like this hanging over your head.
“He’s still playing reasonably well.
“West Ham remain very bullish that he will be found innocent, but there is still the threat of a lifetime ban.
“Hopefully they are right – and I feel Man City will likely come in for him if that is the case.
“It’s unfair to have something like this hanging over your head for so long. We’ve already seen Tonali come back to form after gambling issues, so it can be done.
“I’m pleased it is moving forwards.”
Graham Potter
West Ham have already announced four summer departures. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham set for extra £14m+ after confirmed news
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (14 May) that West Ham are set to cut their wage bill by more than £14million after confirming several first-team players will leave the club.
They have announced Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings will leave the London Stadium when their contracts expire on 30 June.
Sources have told Football Insider West Ham will save around £14.3million per year once the four players leave the club next month.
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