West Ham United make ‘top’ recruitment as Lucas Paqueta development emerges
West Ham have recruited the lawyer who helped Leicester City avoid a points deduction in the Premier League, according to the Sun.
The newspaper reported via its website on 9 October that Nick De Marco KC, a “top” lawyer has been hired as part of the club’s attempts to clear Lucas Paqueta of four counts of spot fixing.
The Brazil international has protested his innocence ever since the FA began investigating him for a ban.
West Ham and Lucas Paqueta will be hoping to put this on the backburner as soon as possible
De Marco’s proven track record against football authorities suggests that the Hammers will aim for a robust defence, possibly challenging the FA’s jurisdiction or the evidence’s validity.
Paqueta’s upcoming hearing in March will be a critical juncture, where legal arguments will be presented, potentially scrutinising the FA’s investigative methods, the evidence linking the 27-year-old to the betting patterns and arguing the absence of intent or knowledge on his part.
While Paqueta can play this season, West Ham will likely work on maintaining his morale and focus, balancing legal proceedings with football commitments.
Post-hearing, regardless of the outcome, the Hammers might consider an appeal if the decision is unfavourable, or if victorious, they certainly would consider seeking compensation or reassurances on player well-being from the FA.
They’ll also be looking to resolve this issue as quickly as possible as it certainly will be playing on the back of the midfielder’s mind as well.
Hopefully, there is a resolution sooner rather than later and everyone can move on with their lives.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign a headline-making player who’s set to cost them £80million.
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