According to a senior club source, “Lucas Paquetá is desperate to get it [his FA hearing] over with as it’s been hanging over his head so long and impacting on his mental health.”
The lengthy investigation, now stretching over two years, began after West Ham sponsor Betway flagged suspicious betting patterns following a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, 12 March 2023.
That initial report triggered an FA investigation which only became public months later, on 18 August 2023, when the Daily Mail broke the story. Paquetá was formally interviewed by the FA in October 2023, and finally charged in May 2024.
The West Ham playmaker has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 for alleged misconduct during Premier League matches against:
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Leicester City (12 November 2022)
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Aston Villa (12 March 2023)
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Leeds United (21 May 2023)
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AFC Bournemouth (12 August 2023)
The FA alleges that Paquetá intentionally sought to receive bookings in those matches for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market—enabling one or more individuals to profit.
In addition to the E5.1 breaches, Paquetá faces two charges under FA Rule F3 relating to alleged failures to comply with the investigation, specifically under FA Rule F2.
This has been a highly complex and emotionally taxing process for the 26-year-old Brazilian, who continues to deny any wrongdoing. As the hearing now stretches into a potential third week, sources close to the player say the prolonged uncertainty has taken a heavy toll on his wellbeing.
The outcome of this high-profile case remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Paquetá wants it over with, and soon.
Disgusting amount of time to keep someone waiting.
We all want it over with , the FA have no real evidence what a farce !