He can play for the Hammers for a bit longer
Lucas Paqueta will be able to play for West Ham next season despite facing a 10-year football ban for spot-fixing.
The Brazilian stands accused of deliberately picking up yellow cards in four Premier League matches against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth.
It’s likely he will face a 10-year ban from football if he is found guilty by the Football Association.
However, the 26-year-old will be eligible to play for West Ham until the disciplinary process is completed. Paqueta has denied all charges.
The Times reported that a source with knowledge of the process has revealed that the complexity of Paqueta’s case could mean that it drags on to the end of next season or even beyond.
The case spans three countries: England, Spain and Brazil and the attacking midfielder’s defence lawyers believe it will take several months to secure the relevant information such as documents and witness statements.
As the betting probe came to light through The Daily Mail last August, Paqueta’s £85m move to Manchester City fell through.
Flamengo approached West Ham about a potential loan deal for Paqueta but with the midfielder seemingly being free to participate in Julen Lopetegui’s squad he looks set to stay with the Hammers.
He was formally charged back in May and was initially given until June 3 to respond but his representatives have been granted an extension.
At the time, he took to social media to express his disappointment. He said: “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”
A lunge on Boubakary Soumare in the 60th minute of a 2-0 defeat in November 12, 2022 first raised alarms. Four months later a late challenge on John McGinn in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa further caused questions to be asked.
There was a further tackle in a 3-1 victory over Leeds in May of last year before a hand ball against Bournemouth caused suspicions to peak.
The FA’s sanctioning guidelines state that players found guilty of spot-fixing could face a ban from football for between six months and life.
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