The English Football Association (FA) is reportedly seeking a lifetime ban for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta following allegations of spot-fixing. The Brazil international faces charges related to four instances of alleged deliberate bookings during the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Paqueta, who was linked with a move to Manchester City, is accused of intentionally picking up yellow cards in matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth. The allegations have significantly impacted any potential transfer, casting a shadow over his career prospects.
Details of Paqueta’s Charges
According to The Sun, the FA’s charge sheet includes a recommendation for a lifetime ban if Paqueta is found guilty. This severe penalty would make him the first player in Premier League history to receive such a sanction. The longest suspension to date was Joey Barton’s 13-month ban for betting rule breaches.
The accusations stem from betting patterns that raised suspicions. Betway, West Ham’s shirt sponsor, alerted authorities after noticing an unusual number of bets on Paqueta receiving yellow cards. These bets, placed by around 60 people, ranged from £7 to £400, with total winnings exceeding £100,000. Many bets were placed from Paqueta’s birthplace in Brazil.
Legal Proceedings and Club Impact
Paqueta maintains his innocence, and his lawyers have been granted additional time to prepare his defense. The FA continues to gather betting information from Brazil, suggesting a prolonged investigation process. For comparison, Brentford striker Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban following a six-month investigation into his gambling charges.
West Ham faces the potential loss of a key player without compensation if Paqueta is banned. The club and fans await the resolution of this case, which could have significant implications for the player’s future and the team’s performance.