West Ham frustrated as star player set to face hearing over alleged spot fixing during Premier League season

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá is set to face a hearing in March 2024 over allegations of spot-fixing during the Premier League season. The 27-year-old Brazilian international has been under investigation by the Football Association (FA) after irregular betting activities were flagged on Paquetá Island in Brazil. These bets reportedly corresponded to yellow cards he received in specific Premier League matches, raising concerns about intentional fouls and bookings.

The Allegations Against Paquetá

The investigation centers on four incidents where Paquetá was booked during matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth. The bookings span from November 2022 to the start of the 2023-2024 season. In one of these games, Paquetá was booked for a handball against Bournemouth, a highly contentious incident that has drawn scrutiny. If found guilty of deliberately getting booked, Paquetá could face severe consequences, including a lifetime ban from football.

Additionally, Paquetá faces two counts of failing to comply with the FA’s investigation, which could further complicate his situation. The allegations have cast a shadow over his career at West Ham, despite his continued appearances on the pitch.

West Ham’s Stance and Paquetá’s Performances

West Ham United has publicly backed Paquetá, who has denied any wrongdoing. The club, while supportive, is reportedly frustrated that the hearing is scheduled for March, right in the middle of the Premier League season. The uncertainty around Paquetá’s future and the gravity of the charges could affect both the player and the club.

Paquetá has struggled to recapture his form since the allegations surfaced, enduring a poor end to the 2023 season and showing little improvement under new West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui. So far in the 2024 season, Paquetá has managed only one goal, and questions have been raised about whether the legal case is affecting his focus and performances on the field.

Lopetegui has commented on the situation, saying that Paquetá is handling the charges well, and that the two have not discussed the matter in detail. The manager emphasized that their conversations revolve around football and improving the team’s performance, not the ongoing investigation.

The Specific Incidents in Question

The FA’s investigation focuses on four specific games where Paquetá was shown yellow cards under suspicious circumstances:

1. West Ham vs Leicester City (0-2): In the 60th minute, Paquetá was booked for a reckless challenge on Leicester midfielder Boubakary Soumaré. The foul occurred after referee Jarred Gillett had initially played the advantage before pulling play back to issue the yellow card.
2. West Ham vs Aston Villa (1-1): In this match, Paquetá slid into Aston Villa’s John McGinn in the 70th minute, missing the ball and catching McGinn’s legs instead. This challenge earned him a yellow card, raising concerns about its necessity.
3. West Ham vs Leeds United (3-1): During the 65th minute of the match, Paquetá was booked for a trip on Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville. The foul stopped Leeds from launching a counterattack, adding to the suspicions around Paquetá’s intentions.
4. Bournemouth vs West Ham (1-1): On the opening day of the 2023-2024 season, Paquetá was booked in the 93rd minute for handling the ball during an aerial duel. The booking came with the referee standing directly in front of him, further intensifying the focus on Paquetá’s actions.

The Potential Consequences

If the FA finds Paquetá guilty of intentionally getting booked for betting purposes, he could face a lifetime ban from football. Such a penalty would be a huge blow to the player’s career and West Ham, which has invested heavily in the Brazilian since signing him from Lyon in August 2022 for around £51 million.

The case against Paquetá also highlights the growing concerns about spot-fixing in football, where specific in-game actions, like yellow cards, can be influenced by betting. If proven, this would represent a serious breach of sporting integrity and trust, not just for Paquetá but for football as a whole.

Paquetá’s Role Under Julen Lopetegui

Since Julen Lopetegui’s arrival as West Ham’s manager in the summer of 2024, the team has undergone significant changes. However, the new season has been far from smooth, with Paquetá’s legal troubles adding to the challenges Lopetegui faces.

Lopetegui has remained supportive of Paquetá, praising his work ethic and commitment despite the ongoing investigation. The Spanish manager has stated that the focus is on football and that Paquetá remains an important player for the club. However, there is no denying that the uncertainty surrounding Paquetá’s future could impact his performances and the team’s overall cohesion.

Broader Implications for West Ham

West Ham’s frustration with the timing of Paquetá’s hearing stems from the impact it could have on their season. The hearing is set to take place in March, a critical point in the Premier League campaign when clubs are vying for positions and points. Losing a key player like Paquetá due to legal issues would be a significant setback for the Hammers.

The case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the FA’s investigation processes and the speed at which they operate. A prolonged investigation can leave clubs and players in limbo, unsure of how to proceed.

Conclusion

Lucas Paquetá’s upcoming hearing over alleged spot-fixing represents a serious challenge for both the player and West Ham United. With the potential for a lifetime ban if found guilty, the stakes could not be higher. For now, Paquetá continues to deny any wrongdoing and remains a key figure in Julen Lopetegui’s squad, though his performances have been underwhelming.

West Ham’s backing of Paquetá shows their confidence in the player, but the club is undoubtedly concerned about how this issue might disrupt their season. As the March hearing approaches, both Paquetá and West Ham will be eager to resolve the matter as quickly and favorably as possible, but the outcome remains uncertain.

The case also highlights the broader issue of spot-fixing in football, an area of increasing concern for governing bodies like the FA. As betting becomes more integrated into the sport, the potential for abuse rises, and cases like Paquetá’s are likely to draw continued attention from both regulators and fans.