West Ham star Lucas Paqueta continues to face an anxious wait as his career hangs in the balance following his spot-fixing case. 

The 27-year-old is accused of picking up four bookings for the purpose of financial gain after being charged by the FA in May 2024.

The Brazil international picked up the yellow cards for West Ham in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023.

The midfielder continues to play for the club more than two years after the alleged offences took place.

However, his performances have dipped this season as the mental strain of the case appears to be affecting him.

Although Paqueta has scored five goals in his 30 appearances, he’s failed to register a single assist, having recorded eight goals and seven assists in 43 outings last season.

That has impacted West Ham’s form across the campaign, with Graham Potter’s side currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table after 31 matches.

(Credit Imago)

Lucas Paqueta could face lifetime ban

The FA are seeking a lifetime ban for Paqueta after handing out the charges almost a year ago.

The Brazilian has continuously denied any wrongdoing, having admitted he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the allegations.

The hearing started on 17 March, but it was adjourned on 4 April after the independent panel overseeing the case were unable to conclude proceedings in the initial three-week time slot.

It is understood the case will not start again until June, leaving Paqueta waiting even longer to find out whether or not he will be able to continue playing beyond this season.

Although it’s clearly a complex matter, it does seem unfair on Paqueta and West Ham for the case to drag on this long.

The midfielder is one of their best players, and there is no disputing it’s having an impact on his performances given his return this season.

If a guilty verdict is delivered, there could then be a further hearing to decide his punishment followed by an inevitable appeal process, with Paqueta previously revealing he will “fight with every breath to clear my name”.

That could mean it’s potentially another six months before the matter comes to a close and everyone can move forward.

West Ham could sell Mohammed Kudus after Lucas Paqueta blow

Although West Ham have continued to back Paqueta throughout this saga, there will also be huge ramifications for them if he is eventually banned.

Not only would they lose a valuable asset after the Brazilian nearly joined Manchester City for £80million two years ago, but it would leave a significant hole in their team.

West Ham will be thinking about signing a replacement for Paqueta if the worst happens, but the uncertainty surrounding the situation is surely making that extremely difficult.

This is an important summer for the club as they look to start moving forward under Potter, who will no doubt want to strengthen his squad significantly in the transfer window.

A sale could be on the cards for Mohammed Kudus to boost Potter’s transfer budget after he’s been linked with a London Stadium exit.

The 24-year-old has a release clause for Premier League clubs set at £85million, which rises to £120million for Saudi sides.