West Ham prepares to issue a lifetime ban for Lucas Paquetá as the Brazilian star is likely to lose his battle against spot-fixing charges.
West Ham anticipates Lucas Paqueta will lose his battle against spot-fixing allegations, with the Brazilian reportedly facing a lifetime ban.
WHAT HAPPENED?
As reported by The Daily Mail, Paqueta’s case is being evaluated under the civil law standard of proof, known as the “balance of probabilities,” rather than the higher “beyond a reasonable doubt” threshold used in criminal cases. This means the Football Association (FA) only needs to prove it is more likely than not that the 27-year-old deliberately received yellow cards to influence betting markets.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
West Ham insiders have criticized the process, describing it as “savage” and “very wrong” that a player’s entire career could be at risk based on a marginal 51 percent probability. The FA’s Regulatory Commissions apply this civil standard, posing a major challenge for both the club and Paqueta.
In May 2024, the FA formally charged Paqueta with misconduct, accusing him of deliberately receiving yellow cards in four Premier League matches to influence betting outcomes. The alleged incidents occurred against Leicester City in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds United in May 2023, and Bournemouth in August 2023.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the difficulties, West Ham have remained firmly behind Paqueta, offering consistent support as he fights to clear his name. The player has strongly denied the allegations and is determined to prove his innocence. The proceedings are set to begin this month and may last up to three weeks. However, it has been confirmed that Paqueta will be permitted to continue playing for the Hammers throughout the hearings.
WHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA?
As the legal battle continues, both Paqueta and West Ham remain optimistic for a resolution that will allow him to continue his football career without penalties. Paqueta has been sidelined since West Ham’s defeat to Brentford due to an ankle injury, and it is uncertain whether he will be available for their match against Newcastle United on Monday.
