Lucas Paqueta case: West Ham star set to be available for most of 2024-25 season despite ongoing spot-fixing investigation

Per The Times, Paqueta will be available for most of West Ham's upcoming season. The Brazil international is facing charges of spot-fixing, and could be banned for 10 years if found guilty. It is alleged that he deliberately got himself booked during as many as four Premier League games last season.

However, despite the charges hanging over him, the FA will allow Paqueta to play while the investigation is conducted. The outcome is not expected until close to the end of the season and may even go beyond that, due to the complexity of the case. His defence lawyers believe it will take months to secure the evidence they require to respond to the charges.

Paqueta has been linked with a loan move to Flamengo but it remains to be seen if West Ham would be willing to sanction such a move, given that he will be available to play for Julen Lopetegui. He had also been touted for a move to Manchester City before the charges were revealed.

Paqueta will continue his preparations for the new season with the Irons. They play Dagenham & Redbridge in a friendly this weekend.