Sky Sports’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol has revealed Lucas Paqueta’s reaction to the FA pushing for the West Ham star to get a lifetime ban.
West Ham and The FA are staying tight-lipped on big news about Lucas Paqueta.
The Brazilian has returned to training with the Hammers this week all smiles.
Under Graham Potter, Paqueta has looked more like the £51m magnifico who lit up the West Ham team on their way to Europa Conference League glory.
But the spot-fixing case that has been hanging over him like the Sword of Damocles since the summer of 2023 is now imminent.
Sky Sport News exclusively broke news on Wednesday evening that Paqueta’s trial will start soon.
A three-person panel will decide the West Ham playmaker’s fate over the course of three weeks starting this month.
Paqueta’s case over West Ham bookings now imminent
West Ham have been rocked by Sky Sports News’ revelation that the FA are pushing hard to have Paqueta banned for life.
The broadcast stated ‘it could be bad news for the Hammers’.
It also added that both West Ham and The FA have declined to comment on the breaking news.
Now a top journalist with strong contacts inside the London Stadium has delivered a major update.
Kaveh Solhekol has shared Paqueta’s reaction to the FA pushing for the West Ham star to get a lifetime ban.
In his own exclusive live on Sky Sports News at 8.05pm, Solhekol has shared insight from Paqueta’s camp.
Solhekol shares Paqueta’s reaction to FA pushing for lifetime ban
And the 27-year-old insists he will clear his name.
“My understanding of Paqueta’s situation is this,” Solhekol said.
His feeling is that whatever happens he will clear his name.
“He absolutely insists that he’s done absolutely nothing wrong and he will not rest until he has cleared his name.
“So I know that there is talk of a lifetime ban. But that does not even enter his thinking. He (believes he) will clear his name because he believes that he has not put a bet on any football game.
“And he believes he will be cleared.”
It’s alleged that the West Ham and Brazil midfielder directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.
Hammers star Paqueta has always maintained his innocence
The investigation into Paqueta was launched back in the summer of 2023, a couple of months after he had set up the winning goal as West Ham ended a 43-year major trophy drought in Prague.
The charges saw a move to Man City collapse. Cole Palmer was set to join West Ham in the other direction. But that move was scuppered to as a result.
When Paqueta was formally charged by the FA last May, he released a statement expressing his disappointment.
“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” Paqueta said last year.
“For nine months, I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can.
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name. Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment.”
Leave a Reply