West Ham could sue Lucas Paqueta for a breach of contract if the star is found guilty of betting rule breaches by The FA, according to Joao Castelo-Branco.
The ESPN journalist reported [23 May] that the Hammers could choose to sue the 27-year-old if he is suspended as The FA continues their investigation.
The FA confirmed that Paqueta has been charged with four counts of misconduct, with him being accused of getting booked on purpose in four different Premier League matches.
“He will still be judged, but to reach this point the English Federation believes it has enough evidence to convict the player. The situation should be concluded in a few weeks,” Branco wrote.
“If he is suspended he could even be sued by his club West Ham for breaching his contract.”
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta in hot water with The FA
Given Paqueta’s importance at the London Stadium, the club will certainly miss the player if he is suspended as the situation regarding his betting accusations continues.
The investigation is likely to continue into the 2024/25 campaign, which could see the Hammers affected on the pitch as well as off the pitch, putting pressure on behind-the-scenes members.
David Moyes learned first-hand just how vital the Brazilian is at West Ham, having gone on an eight-game winless streak at the beginning of 2024 when the star was sidelined through injury.
However, if the accusations being aimed at Paqueta are true, there is nothing the hierarchy, nor the manager or player can do to change the proceedings.
Only Paqueta will currently know the truth behind the charges, and considering his instant reaction to the news, he appears very emotional, already wanting to clear his name.
It is tough to believe that The FA would be basing these charges on little evidence, which would suggest that there is something going on with the Hammers star.
Until the truth finally comes out, with the player having until 3 June to respond, he is innocent until proven guilty and deserves the backing of the fans until they are given a reason not to.
