Lucas Paqueta hearing twist as ‘Ludicrous’ news emerges away from West Ham United
Lucas Paqueta’s future at West Ham United remains unclear as his spot-fixing hearing continues.
If the Hammers star is found guilty of picking up four deliberate bookings to influence betting markets, he could be handed a lifetime ban from football by the FA.
A three-week hearing regarding the allegations faced by Paqueta began in March, but is now adjourned until June, meaning he can play for the rest of the season.
The Brazil international has scored four goals in 27 Premier League appearances this season, but is yet to register an assist.
Simon Jordan dubs Paqueta hearing delay as ‘ludicrous’
Paqueta’s hearing has been adjourned until June, with Alex Crook informing Simon Jordan that it is because the player’s lawyers are currently unavailable.
| Lucas Paqueta | Premier League stats 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
Jordan could not believe it, saying live on talkSPORT: “That’s ludicrous, isn’t it. Ultimately, I find that relatively ludicrous because you should have a timeline.
“There’s an integrity issue, it has to be managed very carefully and with great thoroughness. If you’re going to bring charges of this nature, I would assume you have a very good reason to bring them, and not just on a fishing expedition.
“The fact that the player’s representation isn’t available is almost perplexing. There should have been governance around this.”
Paqueta delay must frustrate West Ham and Graham Potter
The Hammers are still likely fearing the worst-case scenario when it comes to Paqueta and the potential of a lifetime ban for the Brazilian.
Graham Potter’s side would have preferred for the hearing to have reached its conclusion by now, as they are unsure whether to plan for life without the playmaker.
Since becoming West Ham boss back in January, Potter has made just one addition in the transfer market, signing Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton, after previously working together with the striker when he was Seagulls boss.
The Hammers manager will be intent on enjoying a successful summer transfer window as the London Stadium outfit look to push themselves back towards the top-half of the Premier League next term.
But Potter’s transfer plans could be significantly altered if Paqueta is handed a ban from football, as West Ham would have to seek a replacement for the 27-year-old.
Should he be cleared, though, it opens the door to his huge possible move to Manchester City, which would no doubt hand Potter and Kyle Macauley a much bigger budget.
This has the potential to blow plans wide open at the London Stadium, but no one will know until June.