Lucas Paqueta has been hit with four separate FA charges relating to potential betting breaches, but now things have got even worse for him.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta must be in a whole world of pain right now, and the Hammers hierarchy apparently fear that the Brazilian’s career could be over if he’s found guilty of deliberately getting booked on four occasions.Back in the summer of 2023, it emerged that the 26-year-old was under investigation from the FA for betting breaches, and it was suggested that he could face a multi-year ban.
As a result of said investigation, a potential move to join Manchester City didn’t materialise for Paqueta, and he ended up playing the 2023/24 campaign for West Ham.Look at the likes of Sandro Tonali and Ivan Toney – they received 10 and eight month bans respectively and they were betting on their own team to win!Next to feel the wrath of the FA is Paqueta. Of course, he’s not been found guilty yet, but if he is, there could be trouble ahead for him.
And now things could get even worse for the Hammers star…
Big Lucas Paqueta twist emerges after FA charges
As if Paqueta wasn’t going through enough right now, a new shattering claim has emerged that will raise some eyebrows.It seems like the Brazilian could be in for a serious shock, if found guilty of the crimes alleged against him.With the FA clearly trying to wrap things up as soon as possible after an investigation that has lasted nearly a year, more bad news could be on it’s way for the former Lyon man.
ESPN Brazil journalist Joao Castelo-Branco claims that West Ham could in fact sue Paqueta for breach of contract, if he is indeed found guilty of the charges levelled against him:
Interestingly enough, Manchester United contemplated suing Cristiano Ronaldo for breach of contract back in 2022, after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan (Fortune).Nothing came of that in the end, but it seems like West Ham could press ahead with legal action, if Paqueta is delivered the news that he’s dreading from the FA.
Joao Castelo-Branco posted the following claim on X:That would be quite the twist wouldn’t it.
Paqueta is under contract with the Hammers until the summer of 2027, and the club have the option to extend that deal by a further year.Obviously we won’t exercise that option, if he is handed a multi-year ban. He earns £150k-a-week (Spotrac) so that equates to around £23.4 million over the next three years.
If West Ham really are going to sue Lucas Paqueta, should he be found guilty of the FA charges he’s facing, the Brazilian may well have to cough up some serious cash to the club.
Let’s just hope that it doesn’t get that far. As things stand though, things are looking bleak for the 26-year-old. My heart goes out to him. Whether he has made mistakes or not, it cannot be an easy time for him right now, and I hope that he has a strong group of people around him.