Lucas Paqueta life ban latest: ‘He’s in trouble…it’s a shame’
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta will face an FA investigation next month for allegedly breaching betting rules – some 18 months after the probe started.
Paqueta, 27, is accused of picking up four bookings for the purpose of financial gain – but strongly denies the charges.
The Brazil international was cautioned in four West Ham games in 2022 and continues to play for the Irons three years later.
Paqueta will face no action in his homeland of Brazil despite giving evidence before the country’s Senate Commission earlier this month on the allegations.
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 – has had his say on new evidence after the hearing in Brazil.
West Ham star Paqueta facing big ban after ‘damning’ new evidence
According to talkSPORT (17 February) new evidence shows that one of the bookings received by Paqueta was a deliberate “birthday present” for his brother – with the FA likely to pick up on that at the hearing next month.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted instances of intentionally being booked “can’t be tolerated” no matter how “harmless” it may appear.
Paqueta joined West Ham in 2022 and was widely linked with a move to Man City in the following year before the investigation emerged.
| Appearances (Starts) | 26 (21) |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I don’t know the legal aspect completely with this new evidence.
“But it seems the evidence is damning on these snap bookings.
“It’s difficult, but this is something we can’t tolerate in the game at any level. People can say bookings are harmless, but it’s not.
“It’s a distraction, it stops the run of play. There’s lots of reasons why it’s not right.
“If he’s guilty, he could be in trouble. There’s been lots of talk about life bans, and it would be a shame to lose that talent – there’s no doubt he’s a great player.
“But let’s see how it plays out.”
West Ham set for £24m blow
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (14 February) that West Ham are set to be more than £24million down on their anticipated Premier League prize money for this season.
The Irons currently sit 16th in the Premier League table after 25 matches.
West Ham recorded a ninth-place finish under David Moyes last season before he was replaced by Julen Lopetegui in the summer.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.