- West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could face a possible life ban if found guilty
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Lucas Paqueta’s FA spot-fixing hearing was not concluded in the three-week timeframe originally hoped – and Mail Sport has been told the West Ham playmaker’s angst is being prolonged as he must now wait more than a month for it to start up again.
Paqueta has been fighting to prove he is innocent of picking up yellow cards on purpose to influence betting outcomes, with the threat of a life ban hanging over the 27-year-old Brazilian if found guilty.
Sources say the turmoil has been mentally taxing on the Hammers midfielder, who has long maintained his innocence against the FA’s charges.
The hearing started on Monday March 17 and was slated to potentially last three weeks.
However, with so much evidence being evaluated by the panel, it is understood a fourth week is needed at least and individuals close to the case have revealed they are now stuck in a hiatus.
Mail Sport has not been told a specific reason for the delay, or the date when proceedings will reconvene.
Lucas Paqueta (left) will have to wait longer for the outcome of his FA spot-fixing hearing
The West Ham playmaker has been fighting to prove he is innocent of picking up yellow cards on purpose to influence betting outcomes
Paqueta will be allowed to continue to play for West Ham even if the case drags on beyond the end of the season. Their last Premier League game is away at Ipswich on May 25.
One source hoping for a positive outcome for Paqueta told Mail Sport there have been ‘good days and bad days’ in his case, with no indication yet over whether he will be found guilty or innocent. West Ham are also unsure how soon they will learn of a verdict even when the hearing ends.
The FA and West Ham were contacted prior to publication.
