The FA want to ban West Ham star Lucas Paqueta for life after “extraordinary” details of his betting charges were revealed, according to The Sun.
Writing on his personal X account (4 June), journalist Matt Hughes reports that there were 60 bets placed on the Hammers star to be booked which have seen the Brazilian charged.
And should he be proven guilty, the FA want to hand him a lifetime ban, which is the maximum penalty possible that they can hand out to a player for these charges.
West Ham United must prepare for life without Lucas Paqueta
This saga has been hanging over the brilliant Brazilian and West Ham for the best part of a year now, and because it took so long most people had dismissed it now.
But as reports continue to come out after he was charged formally, the details are worrying and fans have every right to be panicking.
In fact, with the summer transfer window open and Julen Lopetegui looking to strengthen his squad it’s now clear that the manager and board must prepare for life without the 26-year-old.
Plans must be made to ensure no other star players are allowed to leave despite interest in Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, because Paqueta is already a huge loss and the club will get nothing in return for him.
In an ideal world he manages to prove his innocence and is allowed to play again, but that would be a bonus at this point and the Hammers should be looking at how to replace him rather than hoping he is available.
