Lucas Paqueta faces six-figure fine from FA after update on possible ban at West Ham
Lucas Paqueta has faced a turbulent time at West Ham over the past year.
Paqueta was cleared of any alleged breaches of the FA’s gambling rules on 31 July, after an investigation into four different instances dating back to November 2022.
The Brazilian was claimed to have been purposely booked against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth in 2022 and 2023.
After being cleared, it was reported that Paqueta was forcing a move away from West Ham, but that wasn’t the case, and he is again facing more punishment.
Lucas Paqueta facing fine for not cooperating with the FA
Paqueta put any rumours to bed with his statement celebration in West Ham’s 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
The 28-year-old imitated picking up a phone before throwing it away, indicating he didn’t want to leave the Hammers by kissing the badge after.
Graham Potter will have been pleased to put the disruption behind the Irons, but fresh claims are again causing problems.
According to The Times, Paqueta is facing a six-figure fine for failing to provide information to the FA during his investigation, which could hit £150,000.
The midfielder has been found guilty of two breaches of FA Rule F3, which contains failure to provide information or answer questions, but it is said he was following advice from club-appointed lawyers.
Timeline of Paqueta’s charges:
- 12 Aug 2023 – Paqueta gets booked vs Bournemouth, and an unusual bet is flagged
- 23 May 2024 – FA officially announces charges against Paqueta
- 31 Jul 2025 – Independent Commission clears him of betting breaches, but he’s still guilty of failing to fully cooperate
Either way, the fact that Paqueta has had to play for more than a year, uncertain whether his playing career would be over, isn’t right.
Thankfully, the worst outcomes have been put to bed with a possible ban not on the cards.
How does Lucas Paqueta’s case compare with Ivan Toney’s betting breaches?
Paqueta isn’t the only player to be accused of betting breaches in recent years.
Given that Ivan Toney faced an eight-month ban for his breaches, West Ham will be pleased that the former Lyon midfielder was found not guilty.
However, Toney’s breaches were a lot more serious as he placed 232 bets himself, whereas Paqueta was accused of influencing play.
Former Brentford striker Toney was fined just £50,000 for betting, but Paqueta faces a much more hefty fine, despite not breaching gambling rules.
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