West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta must be all over the place right now mentally, after being charged by the FA for potential betting breaches.
The charges levelled at Lucas Paqueta date back to four bookings he received from 2022 to 2023, whilst playing for West Ham.
10 months ago, it emerged that the 26-year-old was being investigated by the FA for potential betting breaches.
The integrity of the yellow cards received by Paqueta being called into question were during matches 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.
However, it was only last week when he was officially charged, and the Hammers hierarchy apparently fear that the Brazilian’s career could be over if he’s found guilty of deliberately getting booked on four occasions.
It has also been suggested that he could face a multi-year ban, and that would obviously be an absolutely terrible outcome for both him and his club.
Some good news emerged for Paqueta this week, with his place in the Brazil national team set in stone for the Copa America.
It will be very much be a waiting game for him and West Ham, until he’s found guilty or proven innocent of all charges.
And the Brazilian has made his stance very clear on the current situation…
Lucas Paqueta breaks silence on FA charges
Aside from one Instagram post, the Brazilian has kept quiet about the whole situation.
Well, up until now at least.
The West Ham star sat down for a press conference whilst away on international duty with Brazil.
Foot Mercato cover the quotes from Paqueta bout his current situation.
The West Ham star made his stance on the situation very clear indeed by saying, “This will be the first and only time I will speak about this matter. My lawyers have advised me not to comment on the matter.”
“What I can say is that I continue to do my best, cooperating. My lawyers defend me so that everything is clarified in the end.”
“The decision made me sad but we will do everything to change this decision and cooperate.”
I’m obviously praying that everything turns out to be ok for Paqueta.
He’s a top-class player, and one of our most highly valued assets.
If Paqueta does leave, he’d fetch around £70-85 million, and that money would be vital to new manager Julen Lopetegui, with the huge rebuild that he faces.
Manchester City move still on for Paqueta?
Much will depend on the outcome of the investigation into potential betting breaches, but there are some solid claims doing the rounds.
Before the news about the betting investigation emerged, the West Ham fans were fearful of him joining Manchester City, with Paqueta himself keen to join Pep Guardiola’s side.
Then the transfer rumours resurfaced again just a few weeks ago (TEAMtalk). So could Man City really still be in for the 26-year-old Hammer?
According to Manchester Evening News, the answer to that question is a firm no. That said, it will be interesting to see if their stance changes if Paqueta is found innocent of all betting charges being levelled at him by the FA.
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