FA to pick up seven-figure Lucas Paqueta fees as West Ham charges cleared
Lucas Paqueta will breathe a sigh of relief as he’s expected to be cleared of spot-fixing charges at West Ham United.
The Brazil international has been embroiled in a legal battle after being accused of deliberately getting booked in four Premier League matches.
Paqueta has clearly been affected at the London Stadium due to the betting allegations, but the Hammers are now set to receive a welcome boost.
The Irons may now look to sell the 27-year-old, with Flamengo and Manchester United possible destinations for him.
Paqueta £1m legal fees could be paid by FA after West Ham verdict
Paqueta’s legal fees may amount to around £1million, which the FA could have to pay, according to The Times.
The news outlet reports (25 July) that the independent regulatory commission are understood to have cleared the midfielder of his charges at the London Stadium.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Minutes played |
| Premier League | 33 | 4 | 2385 |
It’s been claimed that the FA now face the prospect of picking up the Brazilian national’s legal fees.
The Hammers are now expected to be in a position to make a decision on whether to keep the 27-year-old or cash in on him this summer.
London Stadium faithful will hope Paqueta returns to best
While Graham Potter may want Paqueta sold at the Irons in the ongoing transfer window, it would make sense to keep him.
The Brazil international was one of the best players in the Premier League a few seasons back before the betting allegations derailed his career.
It wasn’t surprising to see Manchester City express interest in the ex-Flamengo ace, but a move to the Etihad Stadium doesn’t seem to be on the cards anymore.
Paqueta will arguably need to return to his best at West Ham to have someone like Pep Guardiola want him again.
The London Stadium faithful will hope that once the legal troubles are behind the 27-year-old, he will be able to focus on his football.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Brazil international emerge as a new signing for the Hammers next season and replicate his previous form in E20.
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