Lucas Paquetá Faces Potential Lifetime Ban Amid New Betting Allegations
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá is at the center of an escalating betting probe led by the Football Association (FA) that could result in a lifetime ban from soccer. The Brazilian player faces new charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into match-fixing allegations, further complicating his case.
Alleged Obstruction of Investigation
Paquetá, who has been under scrutiny for alleged manipulation of bookings in four Premier League matches during the 2023/24 season, now faces two additional charges.
According to a report by The Sun, the FA accuses him of hindering their investigation, marking a serious turn in the case.
The original investigation revolves around unusual betting patterns involving Paquetá’s yellow cards in games against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth.
The FA claims that Paquetá purposely received yellow cards in these matches, with approximately 60 people in Brazil placing bets ranging from £7 to £400 on him getting booked.
These bets reportedly led to payouts totaling £100,000. Despite the allegations, Paquetá has consistently maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in match-fixing.
Dispute Over Cell Phone Evidence
The new charges against Paquetá are linked to how he handled a cell phone that FA investigators had initially seized.
Investigators had previously reviewed his phone records, messages, and financial activity as part of their inquiry.
Although the FA returned the phone after two months, they later requested it again for further examination.
By this time, Paquetá had disposed of the device, which has led to charges of obstructing the investigation.
The FA claims that his failure to produce the phone amounts to non-cooperation, adding two serious charges to the case.
Paquetá Continues to Play Amid Legal Battle
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Paquetá remains an active player for West Ham, with a formal hearing set for March 2025.
A final decision on the case is not expected until the summer, allowing him to continue playing for the remainder of the current season.
His legal issues, however, seem to be affecting his performances on the field, although he recently scored in West Ham’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has expressed support for Paquetá, praising his dedication and professionalism amid the legal challenges.
Lopetegui has opted to focus on football rather than discussing the case with the player, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on the game.
Paquetá, for his part, has vowed to clear his name and fight the accusations at every stage of the process.
Potential Consequences: Lifetime Ban and Halted Transfer
As the FA investigation progresses, there is growing speculation that Paquetá could face a lifetime ban from soccer if found guilty.
While the FA has yet to make a public statement on the matter, reports suggest that the governing body is pushing for a severe punishment.
The investigation has already had significant repercussions for Paquetá’s career.
A proposed £90 million transfer to Manchester City was put on hold due to the ongoing probe, despite an agreement between the two clubs.
