Key Points:
- New Evidence in Lucas Paquetá Case: Fresh testimony emerges in the FA’s investigation into West Ham star Lucas Paquetá’s alleged spot-fixing.
- FA Charges: The midfielder is accused of deliberately getting booked in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023 to influence betting markets.
- Parliamentary Commission Inquiry in Brazil: Paquetá and his uncle, Bruno Tolentino, were summoned to testify.
- Alleged ‘Birthday Present’ Booking: Testimony claims Paquetá’s yellow card against Aston Villa on 12 March 2023 was a planned ‘gift’ for his brother’s birthday.
- Financial Transactions Revealed: Reports indicate Paquetá’s uncle sent £13,500 in five transactions to an individual linked to the alleged betting scheme.
- Paquetá’s Defence: The player denies wrongdoing, and his legal team has declined to comment.
- West Ham’s Stance: The club stands by their record £51m signing, but concerns remain over potential consequences.
- Possible Lifetime Ban: If found guilty, Paquetá could face a lifetime ban from football.
- FA Hearing Delayed: Originally set for next month, the hearing is now scheduled for summer 2025.
- Graham Potter’s Squad Plans: Meanwhile, West Ham manager Potter is preparing for a squad overhaul, with a top-class striker high on the club’s summer transfer priorities.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá faces renewed scrutiny as fresh evidence emerges in the FA’s spot-fixing investigation.
West Ham United’s Brazilian star, Lucas Paquetá, is at the centre of an escalating controversy after new testimony surfaced in the Football Association’s (FA) investigation into alleged spot-fixing. Paquetá, who was charged with misconduct in May 2023, is accused of deliberately getting booked in four Premier League matches to influence betting markets.
The FA’s independent panel was originally set to hear the case next month, but the proceedings have now been pushed back to summer 2025, granting West Ham a temporary reprieve. However, new allegations could have significant consequences for both the club and the player’s future.
What Are the New Allegations Against Paquetá?
A key testimony presented before the Sports Betting CPI—the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry—has introduced a startling claim: Paquetá allegedly received a yellow card in the match against Aston Villa on 12 March 2023 as a “birthday present” for his brother, Matheus Tolentino.
The claim was made by Bruno Lopez de Moura, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the betting operation. According to Brazilian news outlet UOL, Moura testified that he placed a bet based on ‘privileged information’ from an intermediary named Marlon Bruno Nascimento Silva.
The CPI report further states that Marlon received a total of R$97,000 (£13,500) from Paquetá’s uncle, Bruno Tolentino, through five transactions. Marlon is cited as being responsible for recruiting players into the alleged scheme.
Paquetá’s camp has refused to comment, stating that the case is in the hands of his legal team.
What Are the Full FA Charges Against Paquetá?
Paquetá has been charged under FA Rules E5 and F3 for alleged breaches of integrity and failure to comply with FA investigations.
According to the FA’s statement:
“West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.”
The FA alleges that Paquetá deliberately sought to be booked in these matches to manipulate the betting market. Additionally, he has been charged with two breaches of Rule F3 for allegedly failing to comply with FA procedures.
If found guilty, the 27-year-old Brazilian could face a lifetime ban from football.
How Has West Ham Reacted?
West Ham, who signed Paquetá for a club-record £51 million, are closely monitoring the case. The club is reportedly concerned about the impact a potential ban could have on their squad and financial standing.
In November, The Athletic reported that West Ham’s hierarchy was worried about the possibility of losing their star midfielder permanently if the FA ruled against him.
Paquetá, who missed West Ham’s recent defeat to Chelsea due to injury, has returned to training and is expected to feature in the club’s upcoming match against Brentford.
Could Graham Potter’s Transfer Plans Be Affected?
Meanwhile, West Ham manager Graham Potter is reportedly planning a squad overhaul in the summer, with a top-class striker at the centre of his transfer strategy.
The Hammers have already secured Evan Ferguson on loan but are looking for additional reinforcements as the club prepares to move on from Danny Ings, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Füllkrug.
However, West Ham could face stiff competition from Aston Villa, who are expected to make a major attacking signing following the sale of Jhon Durán and potential departure of Ollie Watkins.
The ongoing Paquetá investigation could further complicate West Ham’s summer plans, with the club awaiting the FA’s final ruling before making key squad decisions.
What Happens Next in the Paquetá Investigation?
With the FA hearing now delayed until summer 2025, Paquetá will continue playing for West Ham unless further disciplinary action is taken.
The FA’s investigation remains ongoing, and new revelations could impact the case as additional testimonies and financial transactions are examined.
For now, the Brazilian international continues to fight the allegations, with West Ham hoping their record signing is cleared of any wrongdoing.
