West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá is set to discover his fate sooner than expected, with his FA hearing over betting irregularities now moved forward, according to Telegraph journalist Jason Burt.
Burt, who has strong contacts at the London Stadium, has revealed that the hearing has already reconvened, with a decision expected next week. Previously, many believed the case would drag on until the summer, further prolonging Paquetá’s near two-year ordeal.
The Brazilian international has been under investigation for alleged suspicious betting patterns involving yellow cards. The FA is reportedly pushing for a lifetime ban, a prospect that has put the player under intense strain.
Paquetá was visibly emotional during Sunday’s London derby against Tottenham, breaking down in tears on the pitch. Concerns over his mental health have been growing within the West Ham hierarchy, with insiders noting the immense toll the ongoing uncertainty has taken on the player.
Despite the pressure, Paquetá and his legal team maintain his innocence, denying any wrongdoing and hoping for a positive outcome.
A decision next week could finally bring closure to the saga, but with the FA pursuing the maximum penalty, Paquetá’s career—and West Ham’s summer plans—hangs in the balance.
This is incorrect – the article says, ‘Telegraph Sport understands that the case against Paqueta, which has been brought by the Football Association, has now resumed and is finally set to be concluded next week.
It is then expected that a verdict will be delivered four to five weeks later with the possibility of a further delay if Paqueta is found guilty and a separate hearing is needed to determine the punishment.’
So the decision will not be made next week but in mid-June at the earliest.
It’s only the end of it if he’s cleared. Any draconian penalty sees it go on and on and on.
It will not be over anyway. Paqueta and the club will hopefully be pursuing the fa for damages if he is cleared.
The length of time this has taken is despicable and must be constant torture for Lucas. He has shown an amazing strength of character to carry on and give his all for this club.
I hope that the emotion shown on Sunday was solely down to the pressure he is under as he awaits his fate and not because he already knows the outcome.
Whatever, the outcome we should remember the pleasure he brought to us with his outstanding skill and passion for the game, I for one will rank him up there with Payet and Tevez as one of the best foreign players to have worn the shirt after Paolo Di Canio