The future of West Ham star Lucas Paqueta is in jeopardy as the FA seeks a lifetime ban

West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta is facing a betting scandal that threatens to end his professional football career.
The FA has launched an investigation into Paqueta’s alleged involvement in deliberately receiving yellow cards to rig the betting markets.
Paqueta is accused of being deliberately booked out of four Premier League games – against Leicester in 2022, and Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth, all in 2023 – to make money for friends.
The FA has received an integrity warning from the gambling companies, which is conducting its own investigation.
According to Solezwe’s report, Paqueta’s shirt sponsors, Betway, were the first to alert the FA to the suspicious behavior of the player on the field.
A £100,000 bet was traced back to the island where Paqueta was born, further fueling suspicions.
As the investigation is carried out, the Brazilian’s future remains uncertain. The report says that the FA wants the player banned for life. Their charge sheet includes recommendations for a permanent ban if Paqueta is found guilty.
Ivan Toney was the last Premier League player to be punished for betting-related offences. He was found guilty 6 months after the FA charged him. He was banned from football for 8 months.
But Paqueta’s case seems too serious if the FA wants to ban him for life.
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