West Ham United is bracing for a pivotal clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 1, 2025, as the Premier League resumes amidst swirling controversy surrounding midfielder Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian star is at the center of an ongoing FA hearing related to allegations of spot-fixing, which could lead to severe repercussions for his career, including a potential lifetime ban.
The hearing, which began on March 17, 2025, has already lasted three weeks and is set to conclude soon. Paquetá, who denies all charges, is accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards in four Premier League matches to influence betting outcomes. The stakes couldn't be higher, as the FA is reportedly seeking a lifetime ban should he be found guilty.
In the lead-up to the match against Wolves, West Ham manager Graham Potter expressed cautious optimism about Paquetá’s readiness to play. "He has trained well and is acting absolutely normally," Potter stated in a pre-match press conference. "He has just got to deal with what he’s got to deal with, but from our perspective, he is available and we are looking forward to him playing." However, the decision ultimately lies with Paquetá, who is said to be struggling with the emotional toll of the ongoing trial.
Sources close to the situation have reported that the 27-year-old is experiencing significant stress due to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Despite being in the right frame of mind to participate, there are concerns that the weight of the trial is taking its toll on his performance. As one insider put it, Paquetá has had "good days and bad days" since the investigation began, and he is desperate for a resolution by the end of this week.
Paquetá's involvement in the trial has also prevented him from joining the Brazilian national team for recent World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. Brazil's head coach, Dorival Junior, was sacked following a disappointing 4-1 loss to Argentina, a match that Paquetá's absence significantly impacted.
West Ham's initial fears regarding the outcome of the trial appear to be easing somewhat. The club has previously described the FA’s stance as "savage," arguing that it is unjust for Paquetá's career to be jeopardized based on a mere "51 percent" guilty verdict. Under FA rules, the standard of proof is based on a "balance of probabilities," which is less stringent than the criminal standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt." This means that the FA only needs to convince the panel that it is more likely than not that Paquetá engaged in spot-fixing.
Renowned sports lawyer Nick De Marco KC, known for his expertise in sports law, is representing Paquetá. His defense strategy has included obtaining a witness statement from former West Ham manager David Moyes, who can corroborate Paquetá's claims regarding his intent during the matches in question. Moyes is expected to testify that Paquetá had requested not to play in a match where he received one of the controversial bookings, as he was in the midst of a potential £85 million transfer to Manchester City.
In that match against Bournemouth in August 2023, Paquetá remained on the pitch despite a prior agreement to substitute him once the team was in a winning position. West Ham led 1-0 until Bournemouth equalized, and it was deep into stoppage time that Paquetá received his fourth yellow card for a handball.
The implications of the trial extend beyond Paquetá. If he is found guilty, West Ham could face financial repercussions, having already missed out on a significant transfer fee from the failed move to Manchester City. Furthermore, the club's hopes of signing Cole Palmer in the opposite direction were dashed as well. The ongoing uncertainty has forced West Ham to limit their summer transfer planning, as Paquetá's future remains in limbo.
Despite the turmoil, Potter has praised Paquetá's professionalism during training, noting that he has not let the situation affect his commitment on the pitch. "I think that was the start of me getting back to my old self on the pitch," Paquetá told club media in February, reflecting on the positive impact of Potter's coaching. "We’ve really enjoyed working under the new coaching staff. All the ideas he’s put forward are very clear, very organized; I think it’s simple for us to understand."
As West Ham prepares for their crucial encounter with Wolves, the focus remains on Paquetá and the outcome of his hearing. The club currently sits 16th in the Premier League, 17 points clear of the relegation zone, but the uncertainty surrounding their star midfielder could have lasting implications for both his career and the club's future.
With the hearing still active, all eyes will be on Molineux as fans and analysts alike await the latest developments in Paquetá's case. The midfielder's performance, should he take the field, will undoubtedly be scrutinized as he aims to prove his innocence and continue his career at West Ham.
