FA announcement sets Lucas Paqueta ban precedent amid West Ham drama
West Ham look to have received a welcome boost ahead of Lucas Paqueta’s trial verdict.
The Brazil international has been central to a spot-fixing probe since news initially broke nearly two years ago in August 2023.
It did appear that the end was in sight after the trial against the 27-year-old came to an end, but any verdict could be held off until as late as the last week of July.
With that being said, the FA have now set a precedent of a potential punishment at the London Stadium, which could be seen as a welcome boost.
FA set Paqueta precedent with new ban update
There have been a number of concerns over the well-being of the ex-Lyon man as frustration continues to build around his uncertain situation.
Despite this, Paqueta has still returned to the UK for training at Rush Green while waiting for the results of his trial, which seems to be lasting forever.
As it stands, there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but similar developments elsewhere may provide the Brazilian and Graham Potter with some comfort.
This comes after BBC Sport Shropshire reported on Wednesday (9 July) that Cheltenham Town forward Ryan Bowman is set to face a 42-month ban from The FA for breaking betting rules.
The 33-year-old is said to have placed 6,397 bets across a 10-year period, with over 240 of those coming in a three-year spell at Shrewsbury Town.
This may prove to be music to Paqueta’s ears, given that he didn’t place any bets himself, while friends and families only totalled a figure around 60 bets at small stakes.
Paqueta may now avoid FA ban at West Ham
It would feel totally unjust for everyone associated with the number 10 and the Irons to see him banned for anything similar to Bowman.
There was a chance that the Football Association looked to make an example out of Paqueta, but surely they can’t do that now.
Paqueta himself hasn’t placed any bets, which, compared to the Cheltenham man or Ivan Toney, isn’t really a fair comparison to make in terms of punishment.
The only factor that may go against the Hammers star is whether he is adjudged to have got himself booked deliberately while wearing claret and blue.
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