So finally after two years we have a verdict and Lucas Paqueta is innocent. Shame no-one placed a wager on it. There is still the threat of sanctions over two charges of not co-operating with the investigation, which the player denied but was found guilty of. Tnough the big charge is unproven. Most of the evidence was circumstantial and if there was major corruption going on then surely the bets coming from Paqueta Island would have been for more than sums ranging from £7 to £400?
Perhaps the locals knew Paqueta was a bit of a hothead and always likely to get booked in certain matches against rough opponents with lenient refs. Rather like the way we can predict when fellow season-ticket holder the Vicar's Son will lapse into ungodly language aimed at the referee (usually about the 12th minute against teams managed by Eddie Howe).
It's cost West Ham and Lucas a lot. Paqueta's form has clearly been affected for the last two seasons with the threat of a lifetime ban hanging over him. Let's remember that West Ham had just won a trophy when this all exploded. Paqueta had a move to Manchester City for £85m lined up and it was said the Irons were after Cole Palmer as a £40m replacement, which wouldn't have been too bad. The FA's tardiness in releasing the verdict has also been very effective at sabotaging West Ham's planning for the transfer window. West Ham must surely have a case for compensation.
Meanwhile will Paqueta stay or go? It might be understandable if he wanted a new start in a different country. Encouragingly he's thanked God ("if he's found God it must have been one hell of a pass"), West Ham and the fans. That sounds like he wants to stay. If we could get the Paqueta back of two years ago then it could transform WHU's season.
Fantastic explanation on what’s happened to our player and his family, what about the FA, they have ruined a professionals life including his family over 2 years, all the form is there to read, my god surely the FA have to compensate big time. Not that it reverses the mental state of him and his family but they have all suffered badly. I hope they can recover
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The F.A are liable for compensation for €1.3m (£1m) to Pacqueta. It's down to West Ham if they want to take the F.A to court but again, it could take 2 to 3 years to finalise
ReplyDeleteHis wife was moving in what she said about his state of mind and Lucas has certainly missed out financially on the move to Man City. As you say though it will probably take years to sort out.
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