Lucas Paqueta will be free to play for West Ham for most of next season despite facing spot-fixing charges.
Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association with four separate instances of spot-fixing.
The 28-year-old stands accused of deliberately getting himself booked during four Premier League matches.
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It is one of the most serious cases of spot-fixing involving a top-flight player in England, and could land Paqueta with a lengthy ban.
However, the Brazil international can continue to play until the disciplinary process has been completed.
According to The Times, the outcome of the process could be delayed until the end of the 2024-25 season or beyond.
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That is due to the complexity of the case; Paqueta's lawyers say it will take many months to secure all the witness statements and relevant information they need for their defence.
That's because the case spans three countries - England, Brazil and Spain - and involves a large number of people.
The charges allege that Paqueta got himself booked during matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth over the past two seasons so that “one or more persons” could profit financially.
The investigation that preceded the charges took eight months.
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In September 2023, Brazilian outlet Globo reported that suspicious gambling patterns were identified in Brazil relating to Paqueta being booked against Aston Villa in March that year.
The bets were reportedly made using West Ham's shirt sponsor Betway, via accounts belonging to people linked to Paqueta.
The FA initially gave the player until June 3 to respond to the charges, but his lawyers were granted an extension. English football's governing body has refused to put a timescale on the case.
Paqueta has been linked with a move to Brazilian giants Flamengo this summer, but this latest development will give encouragement to new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui that he can use the midfielder this season.
Topics: West Ham, Premier League, Football
Alex Brotherton