Lucas Paqueta ban: Keith Wyness lifts lid on West Ham star’s court battle
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed it would take “a couple of years” for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta to appeal any gambling ban through the courts.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – admitted he is “surprised” to hear the FA could pursue a lifetime ban for the attacking midfielder.
Brazil international Paqueta was hit with six FA charges in May over alleged spot-fixing surrounding yellow cards received in four Premier League games in the 2022-23 campaign – but has continued to deny the allegations.
He released a statement on 17 October sharing his frustration at the “continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press”.
The 27-year-old has instructed his lawyers to complain to the FA about the leaks and wants the governing body to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Finance expert Stefan Borson has told Football Insider (24 October) that Paqueta might never play football again if the verdict goes against him in his betting breaches case.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It was the 2022-23 campaign and four yellow cards which were bet on heavily in an area of Brazil – where he’s from.
“There was a big heat map on that particular event, the yellow cards.
“It’s going to be some time next year when that hearing is held, and he’s been allowed to play for West Ham in the meantime.
“The rumours have been that Paqueta will get a lifetime ban – there’s a lot at stake here.
“I’m surprised that the FA are looking at something that strong, but we’re yet to see the evidence that comes out.
“We’ve seen Tonali come back with everything cleared up.
“It just depends how serious this all was and whether there was any intention to deceive.
“I’m sure the hearing will dig into all of this.
“Any ban would cover domestic and international football. It would be appealed and would end up in court, but that would take a couple of years.
“We may get him back playing at some time. These things have to be clamped down on because gambling in football is an evil in the game.”
In other news, West Ham get extra £12million+ after exits completed.
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