Paqueta ‘faces lifetime ban from April’ as shock West Ham hearing details shared
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta could potentially face a lifetime ban as details of his FA hearing for betting charges have emerged.
The Hammers midfielder has been embroiled in legal issues over the last few months, but things could soon culminate as a decision is expected soon.
Paqueta faces possible charges from the FA after allegedly breaching betting rules, and it remains to be seen what the consequences could be.
If found guilty, the Brazilian playmaker could soon know his fate, with a possible ban on the cards.
West Ham United sources reveal when Paquta hearing starts
Paqueta’s hearing is expected to start around 20 March, and the final verdict may come a few weeks after, according to Claret & Hugh.
The news outlet were told by a top source at the London Stadium that the hearing will last for about two weeks, and the midfielder could potentially know his fate in April if found guilty – much earlier than previously expected.
| Competition (24/25) | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 21 | 4 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Carabao Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
C&H expect the 27-year-old to learn his fate by the end of April, and worst case scenario, he may be banned for life.
Gonzo wrote on C&H (25 February): “Astonishing stuff, and what it actually means could send shockwaves through West Ham, with our prized playmaker likely to be either acquitted or banned before the end of April.
“In real terms, and in a worst-case scenario, it could mean a lifetime ban for Hammers record signing Paqueta, but one would expect any such decision to be appealed.”
Graham Potter to miss Paqueta if FA ban confirmed
Paqueta is in troubled waters at the London Stadium, and if things get worse, West Ham will likely be in trouble.
The Brazilian playmaker has returned to his best in recent matches after being deployed in the number nine position.
Graham Potter will be without Paqueta after he picked up an injury, but the 27-year-old has proven to be a game-changer during the English manager’s short tenure.
West Ham welcomed Evan Ferguson on loan in the winter transfer window, and the former Brighton boss will expect the Ireland international to contribute until the end of the season.
With uncertainty surrounding the former Olympique Lyon star, it isn’t surprising to see his form dip over the last few months.
The allegations seem to have taken a mental toll on the Brazilian midfielder, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave the Premier League in the coming months, even if he isn’t charged.
If Paqueta is banned, the former Chelsea boss will face even more challenges at the Hammers in the coming months, making climbing further up the table difficult.
Potter has shown, though, that he can bring the best out of the team without the 27-year-old as they beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates on Saturday (22 February).