West Ham told 'expect the worst' as 'evidence goes against Lucas Paqueta'

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West Ham star Lucas Paqueta was charged with spot-fixing almost a year ago but has continued to play for the club while awaiting a hearing.

It has been widely reported that the hearing will get underway next week with the Premier League halting for an international break.

Three weeks has been set aside with the FA pushing for Paqueta, 27, to recieve a lifetime ban for allegedly “seeking to receive a card to affect the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting”.

The Brazil international has always maintained his innocence and will face no punishment in his homeland after recently giving evidence to the country’s senate.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has admitted he “fears the worst” for the West Ham midfielder.

Wyness ‘fears the worst’ for West Ham star Paqueta

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted it is a “sad story” but maintained instances of match-fixing should be “jumped on ASAP”.

Paqueta has made 27 appearances across all competitions this term with the charges hanging over his head, scoring five goals.

Wyness told Football Insider's Inside Track podcast: "There seems to be more and more evidence going against him at the moment.

"When you talk about lifetime bans, it's such a sad situation for such a talented player.

"With such a draconian punishment on the table, you'd expect appeal after appeal.

"But I do anticipate the worst, certainly in this first judgement.

"I think this hearing will take three weeks, that's what I've heard.

"It will then take some time, as we've seen with the Premier League issues.

"He's actually played reasonably well despite having these issues on his shoulders.

"These issues around match fixing have got to be jumped on ASAP – but it's a sad story.

"We'll have to watch this space, we'll see if there's any case for the defence. Let's wait and see – but I do fear the worst."

West Ham step up race for Lille star Gomes

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (11 March) West Ham have moved to steal a march on their Premier League rivals in the race for Lille star Angel Gomes.

Tottenham are among the sides keen on Gomes with a host of Premier League clubs set to make a move for the midfield star following his breakthrough with England's senior side.

West Ham have advanced their interest as they look to bolster Graham Potter's squad in the off-season.

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