West Ham concerned over Lucas Paqueta's mental state amid spot-fixing case

Telegraph

07-05-2025

West Ham United are concerned Lucas Paqueta may not be in a fit state of mind to play again this season.
There is growing worry over the toll the prolonged spot-fixing betting case is taking on the Brazilian international.
Several of Paqueta's team-mates were alarmed when he burst into tears after being booked during Sunday's 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Captain Jarrod Bowen and referee Michael Oliver were among those to console Paqueta after the incident when he was cautioned for a challenge on Mikey Moore. Paqueta was substituted five minutes later by head coach Graham Potter after he was alerted as to what had happened.
Bowen later checked on Paqueta in the dressing room when he was said to be fine.
After the match, Potter insisted the emotion came from frustration at West Ham's plight, as they have suffered such a disappointing campaign.
Even so senior West Ham figures fear the 27-year-old's behaviour was a sign of how he is being affected by the case and believe consideration should be taken as to whether he should be rested.
Telegraph Sport understands that the case against Paqueta, which has been brought by the Football Association, has now resumed and is finally set to be concluded next week.
It is then expected that a verdict will be delivered four to five weeks later with the possibility of a further delay if Paqueta is found guilty and a separate hearing is needed to determine the punishment.
The case was adjourned early last month after the independent panel presiding over the hearing did not conclude proceedings in an initial allocated three-week slot.
It has been suggested the delay before resuming was partly due to lawyers' schedules and their availability.
Paqueta withdrew from Brazil's World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia last month so he could take part in the hearing. But he has remained available for all of West Ham's games although there has been concern throughout the season that the case, and how long it is taking, has affected him.
Paqueta has continued to act professionally and trained properly for West Ham but his form has fluctuated.
Potter must consider whether Paqueta should now play in West Ham's final three league matches – away to Manchester United, at home to Nottingham Forest and away to Ipswich Town. The club has little to play for beyond trying to finish higher than its current position of 17th.
Ultimately it will, of course, be for Potter to decide whether it is best to play Paqueta or leave him out.
West Ham have continued to back Paqueta, who has steadfastly protested his innocence, in what is one of English football's most high-profile alleged corruption cases.
The accusations within the FA charge are the gravest in the game, saying he was 'intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market' and Paqueta has also instructed lawyers after 'false and misleading' leaks about the case.
Paqueta was charged with four counts of spot-fixing and two of obstructing an FA investigation in May 2024. But the allegations started in August 2023 which means it is approaching two years since it began.
After last Sunday's game Paqueta's wife Duda released a statement describing the whole episode and the time it is taking as a 'nightmare' for her husband.
It is alleged that Paqueta was deliberately booked in Premier League games to earn money for family and friends in Brazil. He has strongly denied any wrongdoing and has been supported by West Ham.
It is understood that the FA have recommended a lifetime ban for Paqueta if he is found guilty.