Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has claimed West Ham United man Lucas Paqueta is close to being cleared of betting charges.
But with the FA postponing the verdict, questions are being raised about fresh developments behind the scenes. Wyness also raised the issue of procedural fairness, pointing out how the delay was hurting West Ham.
In May 2024, Paqueta was formally charged with spot-fixing offences. He allegedly picked up bookings for financial gain in four matches between November 2022 and August 2023.
However, the Brazilian has vehemently denied the allegations. In October 2024, Paqueta released a statement expressing frustration about misleading information in the press.
Lucas Paqueta Verdict Delay Leaves West Ham in Limbo
According to reports, the FA are pushing to ban Lucas Paqueta for life. But there have been suggestions that the 27-year-old is nearing acquittal.
Speaking on Inside Football’s Inside Track podcast, Keith Wyness said that his sources had told him that the trial was done and Paqueta would be cleared of all betting allegations. But the unexpected delay in the verdict has made Wyness wary of potential new evidence.
Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy, said: “It’s very surprising and mysterious as to why there’s suddenly been a delay after all the hearings that have been done.
“My sources had told me that it was done and that he was going to be found innocent. Why this delay, unless there’s some new evidence that has cropped up at the last minute? It’s very hard to understand.”
✌🏼🇧🇷 Lucas Paquetà on Instagram:
“Back to work”
Providing everything goes to plan with the case this man has a vital role this season even more so with Kudus leaving
He can be the difference for us and without this weighing on his shoulders we will see the best of him again pic.twitter.com/aQucrcMsM7
— Ibby (@ibbywhu) July 10, 2025
Wyness highlighted how the delays had left West Ham in a limbo. “Now, it’s really unfair,” he continued.
“I’m not a lawyer, but to me it would seem that the process is now becoming so onerous and faulty that it’s impacting West Ham in terms of what they do with him next season.
“There were rumours of Man City coming in at £80million for Paqueta. There are rumours of Saudi making big deals for him as well, but he can’t be sold at the moment, so there’s potential serious damage from the FA’s actions here.”
Will West Ham Pay Paqueta If He Gets Banned?
Lucas Paqueta signed a £150,000 per week deal with West Ham in August 2022. The Brazilian is the team’s joint-highest earner alongside captain Jarrod Bowen.
However, with suggestions of new evidence being introduced, there is no telling how the trial will pan out.
If/when Lucas Paqueta is cleared of his charges, I hope he sues the @FA and takes them to the cleaners for almost completely destroying his career
The guy has been through so much and his treatment has been appalling
— West Ham Place (@WestHamPlace) July 10, 2025
If Paqueta is banned by the FA, West Ham would have to keep paying him until the end of his contract in June 2027. They cannot avoid paying unless there are stipulations in Paqueta’s contract.
