The English FA is reportedly seeking a lifetime ban for West Ham United star Lucas Paquetá, accusing the Brazilian of obstructing their investigation into his alleged involvement in betting and match-fixing.
Earlier this year, Paquetá was charged with breaching betting rules and suspected of spot-fixing. Specifically, the FA accused him of deliberately receiving yellow cards in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth during the 2023-24 season. Paquetá has denied all allegations, and a hearing is set for March 2025. If found guilty, he could face serious consequences, including a lengthy suspension.
The case, however, has taken a dramatic turn. According to a report by the Daily Mail (via @DeadlineDayLive on X), the FA has now added two new charges against Paquetá. These stem from his alleged failure to cooperate with investigators, raising accusations that he deliberately obstructed the investigation.
The Case of the Missing Phone
Central to the new charges is the mysterious disappearance of Paquetá’s mobile phone. During the initial investigation last year, the FA had seized the player’s phone to review his text messages, call logs, and banking transactions. After completing their initial examination, the device was returned to Paquetá. However, when the FA later requested the phone again for further analysis, Paquetá claimed that he had disposed of it and could no longer retrieve it.
This has led the FA to suspect Paquetá of deliberately hindering their investigation, a serious charge that could see him face a lifetime ban from football if found guilty. Despite these ongoing investigations, Paquetá remains eligible to play for West Ham United throughout the 2024-25 season.
How is Paquetá Performing Amid the Controversy?
Unsurprisingly, Paquetá’s on-field form has taken a dip since these accusations surfaced. Nonetheless, the Brazilian remains a crucial figure in West Ham’s setup under manager Julen Lopetegui. He has featured in all of the club’s games this season, scoring two goals in nine appearances.
His first goal came in West Ham’s opening-day defeat to Aston Villa (2-1), while his second arrived during a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town on October 5. Despite these contributions, West Ham’s form has been inconsistent, with the club currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table, having secured eight points from seven matches.
The Hammers’ next challenge comes on October 19, when they face Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.
What’s Next for Lucas Paquetá?
While Paquetá continues to play for West Ham United, the shadow of a potential lifetime ban looms large. His upcoming hearing in March 2025 will be pivotal for both his career and reputation. For now, the West Ham star remains under scrutiny, and the football world waits to see how this high-profile case will unfold.
