A West Ham board confidant has delivered a big update on the delicate Lucas Paqueta situation after an ‘extraordinary’ Newcastle twist.
Lucas Paqueta has arguably been West Ham’s best player this season.
And he’s done it all with a dark cloud hanging over him since a FIFA and FA investigation into alleged illegal betting emerged.
Just ask Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali how that feels as he faces up to a 10-month ban for his involvement in gambling breaches.
The £55m Newcastle midfielder was taking the Premier League by storm when he arrived from AC Milan.
West Ham board confidant’s big update on delicate Lucas Paqueta situation after ‘extraordinary’ Newcastle twist
But the findings against him left him an emotional wreck as it was reported he broke down in tears when opening up to family and friends after details of his gambling emerged.
It is a measure of Paqueta’s character that he has only grown stronger in light of the allegations against him – which he vehemently denies.
Co-owner David Sullivan and the FA could not say too much when they spoke to Hammers News recently about the status of the investigation into the West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico. Other than to confirm the case is ongoing.
Now a West Ham board confidant has delivered a big update on the delicate Paqueta situation after an ‘extraordinary’ Newcastle twist.
Tonali is being hit with a 10-month ban over breaches of rules on betting on matches in Italy.
Tonali could still be available for Newcastle despite looming 10-month ban but what does it all mean for West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico?
According to Sky in Italy, the 10-month ban still needs to be rubber-stamped by the Italian authorities. Formal ratification could come today, but until it does, Tonali is – in a situation described as extraordinary – available for selection.
And Newcastle United’s key midfielder will now reportedly travel with the squad for Saturday’s game against Wolves in an unexpected twist.
The case has thrown further spotlight on Paqueta’s situation at West Ham.
And now Sean Whetstone, who counts Sullivan and Hammers vice-chair Karren Brady among his close contacts, has issued the very latest on Paqueta’s own case.
Whetstone has provided a lengthy and detailed update on what Tonali’s ban means for Paqueta.
“In both the Tonali and Toney case, both players placed bets in their own names and pleaded guilty to serious breach of regulations,” Whetstone said.
‘He denies any involvement and says he is innocent’
“In Paqueta’s case, there are no allegations that he gambled himself or concluded with others to bet on his performance in related to receiving yellow cards, he denies any involvement and says he is innocent.
“The closest comparison is former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka who was cleared of any involvement in a betting scandal after he controversially received a yellow card against Leeds United, that investigation lasted 18 months.
“Like Paqueta there was unusual betting on the Swiss midfielder getting the caution and he seemed to have deliberately earned it, which made the bookies report it to the FA and he was under investigation…
“The FA are looking at three separate incidents across a six-month period in their gambling probe against Paqueta going from last season into this one.”
Although Newcastle are clearly hoping to field Tonali against Wolves, once his ban is ratified, the 23-year-old will miss the remainder of Newcastle’s season and Italy’s Euro 2024 finals campaign, should they qualify. Tonali will not be able to play competitive football until August 2024 but is free to train with Newcastle and play in friendlies.
READ ALSO
Sensational claim made about incident behind the scenes at West Ham.
West Ham are officially massive in New York City.
In Moyes we should’ve trusted as fans now see why he wanted unpopular signing.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
