Lucas Paquetá’s career future in limbo as FA case delays continue

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá remains in a state of uncertainty as he awaits the outcome of an ongoing Football Association investigation regarding alleged spot-fixing. The Brazilian playmaker has been charged with deliberately receiving yellow cards in multiple matches between 2022 and 2023, allegedly for financial gain. The 27-year-old was booked in four Premier League fixtures—against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth—raising red flags with regulators. While he continues to feature regularly for West Ham, the legal pressure appears to be taking a toll on his performances this season.

Performance Decline Amid Uncertainty
Although Paquetá has made 30 appearances this season, his productivity has dipped compared to last year. He has scored 5 goals but has not recorded a single assist, a stark contrast to the 8 goals and 7 assists he managed across all competitions during the previous campaign.

Hearing Delayed Until June
Initially scheduled to conclude in April, the FA hearing was adjourned due to time constraints. A new date is now set for June, prolonging the ordeal for both Paquetá and West Ham United. The midfielder has continued to deny all allegations and previously stated he would “fight with every breath to clear [his] name.” If found guilty, Paquetá could face a lifetime ban from football, though a lengthy appeal process would likely follow.

Impact on West Ham’s Strategy
Manager Graham Potter, tasked with rebuilding the squad, is now dealing with the uncertainty surrounding one of his top players. Sitting 16th in the Premier League, West Ham are reportedly preparing for all outcomes. The possibility of losing Paquetá may even force them to sell other key players—including Mohammed Kudus, who has a release clause of £85m for English clubs.