West Ham United are considering taking the FA to court over the potential lifetime ban of Lucas Paqueta, according to a report in The Sun.
The Brazilian midfielder has been charged with deliberately picking up yellow cards in four Premier League matches, and faces a potential lifetime ban if found guilty of spot-fixing.
West Ham believe the FA’s jurisdiction over the matter is questionable, as the alleged betting activity took place in Brazil. The club also argue that a lifetime ban for Paqueta would be an unreasonably harsh punishment.
The Hammers are considering taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, in an attempt to overturn the potential ban.
Paqueta has denied any wrongdoing and the club are supporting him throughout the process.
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten insisted the uncertainty around Paqueta is not affecting their transfer strategy.
‘It’s not so difficult, to be honest, because the information we have is quite easy, that he is part of our team and he can play for us,’ Steidten said.
‘I don’t have so many thoughts on this one, as long as nobody told me or us something else. Of course, we have to react, but at the moment he is part of our team and it’s not really a big issue for us.
‘He is a member of our family and we are looking forward to seeing him.’
As I understand it once the FA press a charge it’s off their plate and with an independent commission.
I thought Paqueta’s legal people requested more time and it was granted ?
For people to say it’s not affecting the club is madness, we need a conclusion the longer it goes on the longer the player isn’t in the right frame of mind, plus the more unsure we are if we need cover for one of our most valuable/ best players. Decision needs to be made at the beginning of a transfer window so we have time to react it’s not the clubs fault and the potential hit is big enough, without adding a chance to rectify the problem created.
And while their at it get back the dodgy 20 odd million that Sheff Utd chiseled out of us for Tevez
Sorry but I have a pathological hatred of that club
And Warnock!!!