‘This is what I’ve heard about the Lucas Paqueta evidence’ – How FA’s lifetime ban plan collapsed
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of any wrongdoing, and a top source has revealed the reasons behind the decision.
Paqueta was facing a lifetime ban from the FA for spot-fixing, but has now been cleared of all charges and is free to continue playing football.
The 27-year-old was accused of picking up bookings for the purpose of financial gain four separate times between November 2022 and August 2023, but an independent commission found him not guilty.
The Hammers star may seek compensation from the FA, although sources say that any claim for damages would likely be unsuccessful.
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 – believes the case was far from clear-cut, and that Paqueta deserved to be cleared.
‘Paqueta evidence was very weak’
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness revealed that from what he has heard, the evidence against Paqueta was very weak.
The investigation started back in August 2023, and a verdict was only reached last week, after two years of deliberations.
Wyness added that it has been a very traumatic situation for Paqueta.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I’m glad that he has now been cleared. I did want him to get away because, from all I’d heard, the evidence was very weak. If he had been guilty, I’d have been the first one to have had him slammed up and banned from football.
“What I did know was that it did not seem as though it was that clear-cut in any way, shape, or form. I’m glad it’s been made official, and I wish him the best of luck. It’s been a traumatic situation when your whole life and your whole career is on the line for this.”
West Ham bid £10m for star goalkeeper
Meanwhile, West Ham have submitted an improved second bid for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor of £10million, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League club had an £8m offer for the 29-year-old rejected last week.
Now, West Ham have returned with a higher bid and sources say they are “confident” a full agreement can now be reached.
Victor is keen to join a Premier League club and has also attracted interest from Aston Villa, Burnley and Wolves.
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