Lucas Paqueta: West Ham Midfielder Could Face Lifetime Ban Due to Betting Allegations

Lucas Paqueta, the West Ham midfielder, is set to face a lengthy hearing later this month regarding charges related to breaching football’s betting regulations. Sky Sports News reports that the hearing will span three weeks, making it one of the longest in the history of the Football Association (FA).

The Brazilian international was formally charged in May of last year for alleged involvement in spot-fixing across multiple Premier League matches. The FA is pushing for a lifetime ban for Paqueta, following an investigation into his conduct during four matches: against Leicester in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds in May 2023, and Bournemouth in August 2023.

According to the charges filed by the FA in 2024, Paqueta is accused of attempting to manipulate various aspects of these matches, particularly in relation to receiving a yellow card. The FA alleges that Paqueta’s actions were intended to influence the betting markets for financial gain, benefiting individuals who were involved in betting on the outcomes of these events. Specifically, the charges claim that the midfielder deliberately sought to receive a card from the referee for the purpose of altering the progress or events of the game, thereby affecting betting markets.

In addition to the spot-fixing charges, Paqueta is also facing two violations of FA Rule F3. These charges relate to his failure to comply with obligations under FA Rule F2, which includes the requirement to provide requested information and documentation during the investigation. The allegations have cast a shadow over the player’s reputation, and the length of the hearing signals the gravity of the case.

Paqueta has firmly denied all the allegations against him. In a statement issued at the time of the charges, he expressed his surprise and frustration with the FA’s decision to charge him, especially after he had cooperated fully with the investigation. “For nine months, I have worked with the authorities, providing all the information I can. I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” he said. “I deny the charges in their entirety, and I will fight with everything I have to clear my name. Because of the ongoing process, I will not be making any further comments.”

Despite Paqueta’s denial, the charges have brought significant attention to the issue of betting in football, with the FA’s stance showing a zero-tolerance approach to any involvement in match-fixing or manipulation of betting markets. The outcome of the hearing will have far-reaching consequences for Paqueta’s career and could serve as a warning to other players in the sport about the seriousness of betting-related offenses.

At the time of the charges, neither the FA nor Paqueta’s club, West Ham United, have provided any additional comments or statements. As the hearing progresses, both the player and the FA will await a resolution that could shape the future of the midfielder’s career.