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The English FA has reportedly called for a lifetime ban for West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta for allegedly obstructing the investigation into his betting charges. The Brazilian midfielder was charged earlier in the year for allegedly breaching betting rules and spot-fixing.
The FA claimed that Paqueta intentionally received yellow cards in matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth during the 2023-24 season. While the player has denied all allegations against him, he is still scheduled for a hearing in match 2025 and could be banned if found guilty.
According to a report by the Daily Mail (via @DeadlineDayLive on X), the West Ham star now faces an additional two charges by the FA. These new charges are for allegedly obstructing investigations by failing to cooperate.
During initial investigations last year, the FA seized Paqueta's phone as the investigation was carried out on his text messages, calls, and banking transactions. This prompted the former Lyon star to purchase a new mobile device.
The seized device was eventually handed back to Paqueta. Now, the FA have requested for the mobile phone to carry out further investigation. However, the player claims to have disposed of the phone and can no longer find it.
As a result, the football governing body has added two new charges to his betting case that could lead to a lifetime ban from football. However, as investigations continue, Lucas Paqueta is still eligible to play throughout the 2024-25 season.
How has Lucas Paqueta performed for West Ham United this season?
The West Ham United star has suffered a notable drop in form since the betting charges against him. He still remains a key player in Julen Lopetegui's setup, having featured in all of the Hammers' games this season.
Lucas Paqueta has registered two goals in nine games across competitions for the club this term. He began the campaign by scoring his side's only goal in their league opener loss to Aston Villa (2-1). He registered no other goal contribution until West Ham's most recent league victory over Ipswich Town.
The Brazilian scored his side's fourth goal as they swept past the newly promoted side 4-1 at the London Stadium on Saturday, October 5. West Ham United are 12th in the standings with eight points from seven games. They will next play Tottenham Hotspur away on Saturday, October 19 after the international break.
