Paqueta could face lifetime ban for gambling scandal

The investigation into Lucas Paqueta's possible involvement in gambling continues and this week new details have emerged that could complicate the Brazilian's life. According to 'The Sun', the midfielder is inching closer to a lifetime ban as he continues to accumulate offences in proceedings that have yet to be finalised.

According to the media outlet, the FA accuse him of missing a potential key piece of evidence in the investigation by losing the old mobile phone on which messages and calls that could incriminate him allegedly took place. About a year ago, Paqueta handed over the device for examination. Investigators kept it for about 8 weeks before returning it to him and the player then acquired a replacement mobile phone, which he eventually switched to using on a daily basis.

Some time after the FA returned it, it was requested again for further investigation, but Paqueta had lost it and was unable to turn it over for investigation. For this reason, the FA accuses him of obstructing the investigation and has added two breaches for non-cooperation to his case.

The case came to prominence last year and Lucas Paqueta was accused of being deliberately cautioned in matches against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth played between November 2022 and August 2023. The hearing is scheduled for March 2025, but a verdict is not expected until next summer, so the West Ham player can continue to play without any problems until then.

According to the sources consulted, the FA is seeking a lifetime sanction, which would be exemplary, for the player. Paqueta, for his part, defends his innocence. Around 60 people in Brazil placed bets on the West Ham star's cautions in the matches in question. Some bets were for little more than 8 euros, but others were close to 500 euros and combined winnings of approximately 120,000 euros.