‘Lucas Paqueta to be cleared of betting charges – my sources tell me’
Lucas Paqueta is currently awaiting an FA decision on whether or not he is guilty of breaching betting regulations.
The 27-year-old is accused of picking up bookings for the purpose of financial gain, but he has strongly denied the charges.
Back in May 2024, the Brazilian was formally charged with spot-fixing offences, in relation to four matches between November 2022 and August 2023.
The FA are reportedly seeking a lifetime ban for Paqueta; however, the case could now drag on into next season, with still no news on a final decision.
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 – is surprised by the sudden delay in proceedings.
Paqueta expected to be cleared of wrongdoing
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness revealed that his sources had told him that the case is done, and that Paqueta would be cleared of all wrongdoing.
As soon as the situation has been resolved, West Ham are reportedly prepared to accept offers from the Saudi Pro League for their midfielder.
Wyness added that the delays are worrying, as it could hint at the fact that new evidence has cropped up.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s very surprising and mysterious as to why there’s suddenly been a delay after all the hearings that have been done.
“My sources had told me that it was done and that he was going to be found innocent. Why this delay, unless there’s some new evidence that has cropped up at the last minute? It’s very hard to understand.
“Now, it’s really unfair. I’m not a lawyer, but to me it would seem that the process is now becoming so onerous and faulty that it’s impacting West Ham in terms of what they do with him next season.
“There were rumors of Man City coming in at £80million for Paqueta. There are rumors of Saudi making big deals for him as well, but he can’t be sold at the moment, so there’s potential serious damage from the FA’s actions here.”
Kudus wants to join Tottenham
Meanwhile, Tottenham have reportedly received a major boost in their pursuit of Mohammed Kudus despite interest from Chelsea.
Mick Brown, who worked as a scout at Spurs, claims that the 24-year-old has made clear he is only interested in joining the North London side at this stage.
This will ease initial concerns that Chelsea could leapfrog their London rivals in the race for his signature as they continue to negotiate over a fee with West Ham.
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