Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Wed 7 May 2025 19:10, UK

Lucas Paqueta may have featured for West Ham for the final time.

The Brazilian midfielder is in the middle of a Football Association hearing into alleged match fixing in his time at the London Stadium.

The Hammers star is accused of being booked deliberately on four separate occasions to influence betting outcomes.

If he is found guilty, the FA are seeking a lifetime ban that would leave his football career in tatters and severely hamper the Irons’ summer plans.

Paqueta concerns emerge as FA hearing looms

The case is reportedly taking its toll on the Hammers star and Graham Potter may be without his star man for the rest of the season.

A report from The Telegraph (7 May) claims that the East London club are concerned about the player’s mental health after he burst into tears after being booked in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham (4 May).

It states that senior figures at the London Stadium are considering resting the 27-year-old for the remainder of the campaign.

West Ham may lose Paqueta either way

The Hammers may have to prepare to lose Paqueta no matter which way the hearing goes, with Manchester City interested in his services.

Pep Guardiola’s side are circling ahead of an £80million swoop for the Brazil international in the summer transfer window if he is found not guilty.

If he is found to be guilty, he will face a nervous wait to find out his punishment which could ultimately result in a ban for life, if the FA get their way.

If that is the result, it will throw a wrench into Potter’s plans regardless of whether he wants to keep him or not, as if he is, he needs the veteran to beat the case.

If he plans to sell the Brazilian and reinvest those funds in the squad, they also need a positive outcome as if he is banned, then City will not make a bid for him.

Either way, his career in East London may well be over and he may have played his last match for the Hammers, no matter which way the hearing goes.