Lucas Paqueta life ban latest: ‘West Ham have big problem’
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta’s FA hearing is expected to take place next month for his alleged betting breaches.
The 27-year-old is accused of picking up four bookings for the purpose of financial gain, but he has strongly denied the charges.
The Brazil international picked up the yellow cards for West Ham in 2022 and 2023, and he continues to play for the club two years later.
Paqueta will face no action in Brazil despite giving evidence before the country’s Senate Commission earlier this month on the allegations.
The attacking midfielder was previously the subject of bids from Manchester City before being hit with the FA charges.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Paqueta would likely have joined the Premier League champions for £80million.
The Brazilian made the move to the London Stadium from Lyon for £51million in 2022 and has since gone on to make 110 appearances for the club, registering 18 goals and 14 assists.
West Ham would have banked £80m from Lucas Paqueta deal
Borson insisted West Ham will now find it difficult to sell Paqueta after the allegations have created a “big problem” for them.
He told Football Insider: “A big problem for West Ham has been Paqueta.
“He was going to go to Man City for probably £80million, which would have given them a nice profit.
“They are now left with a problem with his case.
“Whether it will ultimately end with a ban, either way it is going to be very hard to sell the player, so it puts them in a tricky situation.”
| Appearances (Starts) | 26 (21) |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
West Ham set for £24m hit after Premier League blow
West Ham are set for a £24million hit in prize money for 2024-25 following their disappointing campaign.
The East Londoners recorded a ninth-place finish under David Moyes last season before he was replaced by Julen Lopetegui in the summer.
West Ham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, having picked up just eight victories from their 26 matches this season.
However, Graham Potter’s side secured an excellent 1-0 win at Arsenal on Saturday (22 February) to raise their fans’ spirits slightly.
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