West Ham United are reportedly frustrated with the slow progress of the Lucas Paqueta case, concerned about its impact on their player. The Brazilian midfielder has been under investigation by the FA for alleged breaches of betting rules, and despite the hearing concluding in June, he is still awaiting the outcome.
The FA initiated its investigation into the West Ham star back in August 2023, following allegations of spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023.
While Paqueta himself did not place any bets, it’s claimed that friends and family in Brazil profited from betting on yellow cards given to the midfielder. Paqueta has vehemently denied these allegations and any wrongdoing.
The ongoing case has taken a toll on Paqueta, who could face a lifetime ban if found guilty. He was visibly upset after receiving a booking in West Ham’s match against Tottenham in May, clearly affected by the weight of the allegations.
West Ham have done everything possible to support Paqueta during this difficult time, and according to The Sun, they are exasperated that the case has dragged on. With pre-season training set to begin on Tuesday, there are concerns that another season could be overshadowed by the allegations, reports the Mirror.
The club is baffled at the length of the process, considering the investigation began in August 2023 and Paqueta was officially charged in May 2024.
The protracted legal saga has derailed a mammoth £85million move from West Ham to Manchester City a few years back for the star player, and it’s clear his performances on the pitch have dipped as a result. Club officials conceded that while they’re open to selling him this summer, the ongoing case might deter potential suitors.
Brighton’s gaffer Graham Potter spoke candidly about the toll the ordeal is having on the 27 year old ace and his relatives. Reflecting on recent events, including a necessary substitution during the clash with Spurs, Potter offered his empathy: “I think he’s just a player that’s trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action,” noting the human side of the sport, “And then you see a human being, not perfect but I love Lucas, he’s given everything and in difficult circumstances he’s in as well.”
In an emotional outpouring on Instagram post-Spurs fixture, the athlete’s spouse Duda shared a glimpse into their distress, labelling their ordeal “a living nightmare”. Her message was clear: “My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me. We’ve been living this nightmare for two years, and he’s ALWAYS strong… he’s always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place!”.
She continued with a vehement defence: “There’s NOTHING against him. Have you never noticed that? Anyway, God knows everything, and only HE knows why we’re going through this! And only because of HIM are we well and living happily as a family!’I just wish people would respect him.. People are mean and unfair, without knowing ANYTHING!”.
“I think he’s just a player that’s trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action.
“And then you see a human being, not perfect but I love Lucas, he’s given everything and in difficult circumstances he’s in as well.”
“My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me. We’ve been living this nightmare for two years, and he’s ALWAYS strong… he’s always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place!”.
“There’s NOTHING against him. Have you never noticed that? Anyway, God knows everything, and only HE knows why we’re going through this! And only because of HIM are we well and living happily as a family!’ I just wish people would respect him.. People are mean and unfair, without knowing ANYTHING!”.
