West Ham's Lucas Paqueta awaits verdict after longest FA trial

The West Ham midfielder faces the prospect of a lifetime ban if found guilty of deliberately collecting yellow cards to benefit betting activity.

The trial concluded this week after the FA formally charged the Brazilian with match-fixing offences. Paqueta is accused of intentionally picking up four bookings to assist others in profiting from bets placed on those incidents. If proven, the consequences could be career-ending.

Proceedings began in March but were postponed after three weeks due to scheduling conflicts between legal teams, eventually resuming in May. The delay has led to what is now the longest disciplinary case ever handled by the Football Association.

Paqueta stands accused of four breaches relating to purposeful cautions intended to manipulate betting markets, along with two further charges of failing to cooperate with the investigation.

Specifically, the FA claim the midfielder withheld key information and documents. The 27-year-old has strenuously denied all allegations throughout the process and has received unwavering support from West Ham, who have continued to back their player's integrity.

According to The Guardian, there is concern at the club over the timing of the verdict, which could take between four and eight weeks to be delivered. Although the defence team reportedly remains calm, the uncertainty looms large over West Ham's summer plans, particularly with the transfer window approaching.

A potential sanction midway through the market would leave new manager Graham Potter in a difficult position, unsure whether he can count on a key member of his squad.

The alleged incidents date back to the 2022/23 season and the early stages of 2023/24. Paqueta is said to have intentionally received yellow cards in four matches: against Leicester City (November 2022), Aston Villa (March 2023), Leeds United (May), and Bournemouth (August).

At the time the allegations surfaced, Paqueta was on the verge of a high-profile move to Manchester City, reportedly worth around £80 million. The transfer collapsed, and he was subsequently suspended from the Brazilian national team.

Nevertheless, he has continued to feature for West Ham while the investigation has been ongoing.