Pundit issues 'ludicrous' verdict after latest twist in Lucas Paquetá's FA case

West Ham star Lucas Paquetá continues to face an uncertain future after his case with the FA over alleged spot-fixing was pushed back. Paquetá’s trial began in March, and it was initially thought a verdict would be reached before the end of the season, but it has emerged that the case has been adjourned until June.

That means Paquetá will be able to play for the rest of the season, but the threat of a ban, which could yet last a lifetime, still hangs over his head heading into the summer.

Jordan’s criticism

TalkSport and former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan is not impressed with the situation involving the adjournment of the case. He said on TalkSport: “That’s ludicrous, isn’t it. Ultimately, I find that relatively ludicrous because you should have a timeline.

“There’s an integrity issue, it has to be managed very carefully and with great thoroughness. If you’re going to bring charges of this nature, I would assume you have a very good reason to bring them, and not just on a fishing expedition. The fact that the player’s representation isn’t available is almost perplexing. There should have been governance around this.”

What the FA said originally

In a statement, the FA said when charging Paquetá: “West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.

“It’s alleged that he 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. Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2. The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline. The FA will be making no further comment until the conclusion of this case.”

Paquetá’s response

Paquetá’s responded to the charges in a statement at the time: “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. 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.”

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