Lucas Paqueta and West Ham United are finally set to learn the outcome of the Football Association’s lengthy investigation into the midfielder today, as reported by Hammers.News. The probe, which has dragged on for nearly two years, revolves around alleged spot-fixing tied to yellow cards during Premier League fixtures.
The result could massively shape Paqueta’s future and directly affect West Ham’s transfer plans, with the club hanging in limbo as the season edges closer.
Paquetá Faces FA Charges from Four Premier League Games
The FA has formally charged Paqueta over four yellow cards picked up between November 2022 and August 2023. The matched fixtures under scrutiny include:
- Leicester City (12 November 2022)
- Aston Villa (12 March 2023)
- Leeds United (21 May 2023)
- AFC Bournemouth (12 August 2023)
These charges relate to FA Rule E5.1, which deals with breaches of integrity and betting. In addition, Paqueta also faces two further charges under Rule F3 for allegedly not fully complying with requests during the FA’s investigation.
Although clips of the incidents circulated widely online at the time, the allegations have been reviewed behind closed doors by a three-person independent panel. Their tribunal wrapped up over seven weeks ago.
West Ham Push for Resolution as Season Approaches
Frustration has been building inside the club as the investigation drags on without closure. New head coach Graham Potter, now deep in reshaping the squad for the coming campaign, has reportedly asked for clarity in internal briefings.
Journalist Sean Whetstone, who has long-standing ties to West Ham’s ownership, penned an open letter to the FA dated 24 July. In it, he slammed the delay in delivering a verdict and urged officials to bring the matter to a close.
“It’s now 50 days since the tribunal hearing finished, with no indication of when the verdict will be formally announced,” Whetstone noted. He described the ongoing silence as unfair to Lucas Paqueta, his family, the club, and its supporters.
Paquetá Maintains Innocence Throughout Probe
From day one, Paquetá has denied all involvement in wrongdoing. His wife, Duda Fournier, recently shared a personal glimpse into how deeply this saga has impacted their family. She recalled a moment last season after a yellow card against Spurs, where the midfielder was seen in tears post-match… a sign of the mental toll it had taken.
Despite the speculation swirling around his future, Paqueta returned to pre-season training last month, appearing fully committed and involved with his teammates.
Transfer Plans Blocked as Clubs Monitor Verdict
The uncertainty surrounding the FA’s investigation shut down one of West Ham’s biggest potential transfer moves last year. A deal with Manchester City worth close to £80 million collapsed after the charges surfaced.
Depending on today’s outcome, the landscape could shift quickly. If cleared, Paqueta is expected to attract renewed interest from top clubs in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and across Europe. But if found guilty, sanctions could be severe, with some speculation around the possibility of a lengthy or even lifetime ban.
One way or another, today’s verdict from the FA marks a crucial moment that could not only define Paqueta’s career trajectory but also reshape West Ham’s immediate and long-term plans.
