Latest news with #Paqueta
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'If you want the player, pay the £85m' - fan views on Kudus
We asked for your views on Mohammed Kudus being linked with a move to Chelsea in a cash-plus-player deal. Here are some of your comments:Lewis: He has a release clause for a reason. If you want the player, pay the £85m. West Ham should hold firm on that. Yes, he had a poor season, but he's easily our second or third-best Shame to lose Kudus, but he's had a poor season. I don't think taking Sanchez in part-exchange is a good idea! Chelsea will be getting a great deal, and we will be getting worse, unbelievable!Rich: Feels like a no-brainer to part ways if we can get the sort of money his release clause dictates. It's been documented that we need to sell to fund purchases, and need to give Potter a chance to build his squad his way. It's either Paqueta or Kudus who has to go to raise that sort of money, and I think Paqueta has demonstrated a better attitude and quality, Kudus has been a no-show all season. He obviously wants to move on, and it's on someone else's stool. Let him go if we can get such a good price for him. Given this season's showing, £85m is worth grabbing and using productively on someone who fits Potter's Kudus was a breath of fresh air when he joined, but the drop-off in performance has been astounding. Down on goals and assists, but more worryingly has shown not to have the awareness of players around him, and has been too greedy with the ball. If he could be back to the level of his first season, he is quality, but I fear his head has been turned and he has wanted to leave for a while, resulting in a flat performance on the pitch.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Lucas Paqueta's spot-fixing hearing FINALLY ends almost two years after investigation began - as timeline to discover West Ham star's fate is revealed
Lucas Paqueta's FA spot-fixing hearing has finally concluded, with the Brazilian now anxiously awaiting a verdict nearly two years after the investigation began and one which will determine whether he can still call himself a professional footballer. However, senior sources at West Ham are not happy after being warned it could take another four to eight weeks for Paqueta's fate to be revealed, with Mail Sport breaking the news back in August 2023 that the FA were investigating their playmaker for potentially picking up yellow cards on purpose. Speaking anonymously, those Hammers insiders have called for a faster conclusion after his long-awaited hearing, which began nearly three months ago on March 17, ended this week. They say the prolonged wait only adds to the mental anguish on Paqueta, who has struggled to cope with the crushing pressure of his career being on the chopping block, while claiming it is throwing their own transfer plans into serious uncertainty as they head into the summer window. Paqueta, who insists he is innocent of any wrongdoing, faces a potential life ban if the panel examining the evidence decide he was involved in a conspiracy to collect cautions in four Premier League fixtures in order to influence betting outcomes. While there is not yet any indication over whether he will be found innocent or guilty once the verdict arrives, West Ham sources have long feared the odds are stacked against them due to the FA's standard of proof being based on a 'balance of probabilities', which is usual in civil cases, as opposed to the more rigorous 'beyond a reasonable doubt' for those accused of criminal offences. It has been described as the most high‑profile corruption case in English football since Bruce Grobbelaar was acquitted of conspiring to fix five Premier League games in a criminal trial 27 years ago. Paqueta broke down in tears during one home game with Tottenham towards the end of last season when he received a yellow card, in a sign of the toll being taken on him. His wife, Duda, released a statement afterwards describing the last two years as a 'nightmare' for her husband, who did not start another game for West Ham under manager Graham Potter after that Spurs incident. Mail Sport revealed that Paqueta was being investigated on August 18, 2023 and the FA formally charged him on May 23, 2024 with four counts of spot-fixing and two of obstructing their investigation. Insiders say Paqueta mentally built himself up for the beginning of his hearing on March 17, originally believing it would last no longer than three weeks. However, the scale of the evidence being evaluated meant it was not concluded within that timeframe, and further complications arose when it had to be placed on hiatus, seemingly because of scheduling issues surrounding those involved. Paqueta and West Ham must now wait to discover whether he has won his seismic fight after a trial in which David Moyes, his former manager who is now in charge of Everton, even acted as a witness on his behalf in a bid to clear his name. The FA and West Ham were contacted for comment.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Upset Lucas Paqueta becoming ILL due to match fixing probe delay, claims West Ham boss Graham Potter
LUCAS PAQUETA is getting ill and feeling stressed by the delay to his spot-fixing probe. And West Ham boss Graham Potter wants the FA to resolve his case before next season so the club know if he will be part of a rebuild. 2 2 In May 2024, the Brazilian playmaker, 27, was charged with four counts of spot-fixing and two of obstructing an FA investigation. This followed allegations he intentionally got a yellow card for betting purposes in four Prem games between November 2022 and August 2023. The club say they have NO idea when the findings of this will be revealed, so do not know if he will be banned for life or found not guilty. Being in limbo is taking its toll on Paqueta, who denies any wrongdoing, and he broke down in tears of frustration after being booked in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on May 4. Today's clash against seventh-placed Nottingham Forest is the Hammers' final home match of the season and it could be the last time he ever dons the claret-and-blue colours. He was an unused sub against Manchester United last week with a cold. Potter said: 'The week he had was particularly tough for him personally, which I think everybody can understand. 'And then, as a result of that, he was feeling under the weather on the day before the game at Manchester United and during the game. 'So I didn't want to risk him and make it worse for him. But he's trained really well, he wants to be part of the team to help and we'll see how to use him for the weekend.' When he broke down in tears against Spurs, wife Duda Fournier took to Instagram to express her concerns about her husband's mental state. West Ham star Lucas Paqueta charged with betting breaches She said: 'My husband has a posture and a strength that I admire and impresses me. We have been living this nightmare for two years.' Asked if the situation was taking its toll on Paqueta, Potter replied: 'Obviously, you know what it's like, sometimes you are in stress and pressure, it can manifest itself in a different way.' Asked if he wants clarity by the start of next season, Potter said: 'For everybody concerned, yes. The sooner the better for everyone. 'In fairness to Lucas, he's handled it brilliantly. Generally he's come in and conducted himself in a really good way. He's just ready to help the team. 'I think coming into work is a distraction for him. It takes his mind off things. 'For me, I'm just there to support him, the same with his team-mates.' The FA declined to comment when approached by SunSport. It will be an emotional afternoon in East London also for the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings. The quartet, who were part of the 2023 Conference League-winning squad, have not been offered new contracts and will leave this summer. Czech defender Coufal, 32, joined in 2020 from Slavia Prague. And in a message to Hammers fans, he said: 'I knew that once this time would come but I could not imagine how emotional it would be for me and my family. 'I can say with all honesty in my heart that I enjoyed every minute of being at West Ham. I am taking a lot of unforgettable memories with me.' Yet there are NO guarantees any of them will play a role today and be given a proper send-off as Potter is eyeing up a possible 13th-place finish. He added: 'There's a lot at stake in the Premier League in terms of our points and what Forest are fighting for, so we have to make sure we pick the right team to try to win. 'Of course, emotion is always part of football so that can help. But we have to make the decision based on everything to try to win.'
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
West Ham ‘concerned about Lucas Paqueta' after yellow card left him in tears
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta became visibly upset after being shown a yellow card in the Hammers' 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham on Sunday and concerns over the Brazilian have now emerged West Ham are said to be worried about Lucas Paqueta and the toll that the ongoing spot-fixing betting case is currently having on the attacking midfielder after he burst into tears during their recent fixture with Tottenham. Paqueta, 27, became emotional when he was shown a yellow card by Michael Oliver in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Spurs. He is currently being investigated by the Football Association for alleged breaches of betting rules relating to yellow cards the player received. The hearing started in March and is based around four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023. The Telegraph has now reported that the hearing has resumed with a conclusion expected some time next week. A verdict is not expected for a further four to five weeks, however. The report goes on to outline that there are concerns from some within West Ham over Paqueta's state of mind, with senior figures at the club questioning whether the former Lyon man should be rested for the final three fixtures of the season. It's said that several of Paqueta's team-mates were alarmed to see his reaction to being shown a yellow card, with Jarrod Bowen consoling him. He was substituted five minutes later by Graham Potter after the Hammers boss was made aware of the situation. Paqueta withdrew from the Brazil squad for last month's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Argentina and Colombia to participate in the hearing into the allegations but has remained available for selection for all of West Ham's games this season. It's been reported that the FA have recommended a lifetime ban if Paqueta is found guilty, though he has stressed his innocence throughout the process. Potter was asked about Paqueta following the incident at the weekend in his post-match press conference and said: 'I think he's just a player that's trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action. 'And then you see a human being, not perfect but I love Lucas, he's given everything and in difficult circumstances he's in as well. He's given everything and he's absolutely fine now.'
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Real reason behind Lucas Paqueta's tears after West Ham star's yellow card vs Tottenham
Lucas Paqueta had to be substituted after reacting badly to a yellow card in the second half of West Ham's 1-1 draw against Tottenham on Sunday due to the ongoing betting probe Lucas Paqueta was overcome with emotion after picking up a booking while playing for West Ham against Tottenham on Sunday. Paqueta was substituted off the pitch by Hammers boss Graham Potter after crying when he was shown a yellow card by Michael Oliver at the London Stadium. The playmaker was booked after bringing down Mikey Moore to halt a Spurs counter-attack in the second half of the 1-1 draw in the Premier League. He immediately brought his shirt up to his face and was comforted by his team-mates. Potter noticed the reaction and was quick to summon James Ward-Prowse from the bench as a replacement. The reason behind Paqueta's reaction wasn't immediately clear for those watching the match, but The Daily Mail has now explained the situation. Paqueta is currently being investigated by the FA for alleged breaches of betting rules. The hearing started in March and is looking into claims of spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023. It is alleged that friends and family in Brazil profited after betting on yellow cards for the midfielder. The 27-year-old did not put on any bets himself and has denied the charges. It is understood that the yellow card against Tottenham sparked emotion in him because it reminded him of his current situation. His emotions were further heightened by having his sons Benicio and Filippo with him that day, with Filippo walking onto the pitch with the team to celebrate his fourth birthday. The incident prompted a statement from his wife Duda on Instagram. She wrote: 'I've never said anything here, and maybe I shouldn't have! My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me. We've been living this nightmare for two years, and he's ALWAYS strong... he's always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place! 'There's NOTHING against him. Have you never noticed that? Anyway, God knows everything, and only HE knows why we're going through this! And only because of HIM are we well and living happily as a family! 'I just wish people would respect him.. People are mean and unfair, without knowing ANYTHING!' Paqueta has been struggling to concentrate on playing for West Ham while the hearing – and the potential lifetime ban the FA are reportedly seeking – hangs over his head. The FA started investigating the allegations in August 2023 and officially charged Paqueta in May 2024. The hearing started on March 17 and was not concluded during the original three-week time period it was slated to run for. It is due to resume this month, but Paqueta's future is in limbo because they need to find dates that suit all of those involved. 'I think he's just a player that's trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action, the Irons manager explained,' Potter said post-match when asked about Paqueta. 'And then you see a human being, not perfect but I love Lucas, he's given everything and in difficult circumstances he's in as well. He's given everything and he's absolutely fine now.'
