West Ham have been hit by a monumental blow as £85m Brazilian star Lucas Paqueta is officially charged by the FA.
It’s the news Lucas Paqueta, his current club West Ham and prospective club Man City all feared, the Brazil ace has been officially charged by the FA.
Hammers News has been pushing the Football Association for updates on the Paqueta situation since a case was opened last summer.
As the world knows, Hammers playmaker Paqueta is facing some very serious allegations.
Hammers talisman Paqueta has had an FA and FIFA investigation over alleged involvement in illegal betting hanging over his head since last summer.
There have been conflicting reports regarding the Paqueta investigation over the last few months.
It was claimed by a source close to West Ham’s owners that the club are concerned the FA will officially charge Paqueta over the allegations – which he vehemently denies – so that his fate can then be decided by an independent three-person panel.
Paqueta’s yellow peril
But in March, Inside World Football reported that the Paqueta probe is all but over and he will not be charged.
In light of that claim, Hammers News reached out to the FA for clarity on the situation.
A spokesman for the Football Association told us the IWF article was “factually incorrect”.
There has been much speculation over Paqueta’s future at West Ham ahead of the summer window.
Reports abound that Man City are waiting to activate his £85m release clause for a second time if and when the case is dropped.
So whether West Ham want to sell Paqueta or not, if the case finds against the Brazilian it could literally cost the Hammers £85m.
Well now there has been a major development.
Monumental blow as Paqueta is officially charged by FA
And it’s a monumental West Ham blow as Paqueta is officially charged by the FA.
In a statement sent to Hammers News on Thursday afternoon, an FA spokesman confirmed Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
“West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3,” the statement reads.
“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
Star has until June 3rd to respond
“It’s alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.
“Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.
“The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline.
“The FA will be making no further comment until the conclusion of this case.”
The news comes on the day West Ham unveiled Julen Lopetegui as the club’s new manager.
Paqueta has always vehemently denied the accusations against him.
If found guilty Paqueta could face up to two years in prison.