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Lucas Paqueta is a Brazilian International footballer, who plays as an attacking midfielder for Premier League club West Ham United. The 27-year-old joined West Ham in 2022 for a reported fee of £37.5 million, signing for the Hammers on a five-year contract. In his first season at the club he played a massive role in West Ham United winning the Conference League and assisting the last minute winner by Jarrod Bowen in the finals leading to the club’s first major silverware since 43 years.
An investigation into potential betting breaches by Paqueta was started by the FA for his conduct. The Brazilian International was later charged by the FA for alleged breaches of their rules, where it was alleged that he intentionally sought to receive a card from the referee to influence the betting market for personal profit. Paqueta denied the charges and said he was "extremely surprised and upset" to be charged. Paqueta’s hearing over the charges were over by the month of April this year and it is learnt that the FA is set to deliver the verdict on Lucas Paqueta soon.
The verdict is set to be in the favour of Lucas Paqueta: Reports
Lucas Paqueta has scored four goals in the 23 appearances that he made for West Ham United in the 2024-25 season after which he was banned from playing due to the charges against him. He stated that he is not guilty and said, "For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny all the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name."
The FA has been seeking to grant a lifetime ban for Lucas Paqueta. However, several reports suggest that the Brazilian International is in the clear and that the final verdict of the judgment would be in the player’s favour. Only time will tell if there is to be any level of punishment for Lucas Paqueta.
