Lucas Paqueta latest: West Ham star must “think seriously” about suing FA over failed £80m Man City move after betting case verdict KIK BALL

Lucas Paqueta’s lawyer has revealed that the West Ham United star could sue the Football Association following the conclusion of his spot-fixing case, citing the “immeasurable” damage that led to the breakdown of his transfer to Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side were allegedly close to completing a deal between £80m and £85m to sign Paqueta in August 2023, but the transfer collapsed after the FA opened an investigation into alleged betting offenses.

The 28-year-old was charged for allegedly getting booked deliberately in four Premier League games “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market” in his native Brazil.

Paqueta was threatened with a potential lifetime ban from football, but he was cleared of all spot-fixing charges in July.

The FA have since released a statement confirming that they will not appeal the verdict of the independent commission, which ruled that alleged breaches of FA Rule E5 were found not proven.

Sanctions in relation to two charges which were found proven – relating to allegations of failing to co-operate and/or provide information to assist the FA with their investigation – will be decided by the commission decided in the near future.

Suing the FA “under consideration” – Paqueta “will think about it closely”

According to Sky Sports News, West Ham will not be suing the FA for damages after the collapse of Paqueta’s big-money move to Man City, as they believe it is not good for football if clubs sue governing bodies who do a difficult job.

However, Paqueta’s lawyer Alastair Campbell has refused to rule out the possibility of his client taking legal action against the FA and has urged the Brazilian to “think seriously” about his decision.

“It’s something we’re talking to Lucas about and it’s under consideration,” Campbell told Sky Sports News when discussing the possibility of Paqueta suing the FA.

“He wants to focus on his football now. He’s spent enough time talking to lawyers. We don’t know for sure what’s on the cards at the moment.

“I would advise him to think seriously about that (suing the FA) as an option. What he’s lost is immeasurable in financial terms.

“If you look at where his career could have gone, how close he was to moving to Manchester City, who then went on to win the Premier League that year, that is a very considerable loss to him, so he will think about it closely.”

Paqueta “has his mojo back” after clearing his name

Campbell, a partner at the law firm Level and the head of Paqueta’s legal team, added: “Lucas is a deeply religious man, absolutely dedicated to his wife and young children. The evidence not only showed he has no interest in gambling whatsoever, but confirmed that his integrity as both a player and a person is beyond doubt.

“With this case no longer hanging over him, he can stop speaking to lawyers and focus fully on what matters most: faith, family and football.

“We are still making submissions in relation to the non-cooperation charge. But in a case where his entire career was at risk, Lucas is unquestionably the successful party. It’s fantastic to see him playing so well without this burden – he has his mojo back.”

Paqueta is keen to put those “extremely serious accusations” behind him and has made a positive start to the new campaign with West Ham, scoring three goals across four appearances in the Premier League and EFL Cup.

The midfielder shut down speculation linking him with a late move to Aston Villa in the summer transfer window with his goal celebration in the Hammers’ 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

Paqueta mimicked picking up a phone before throwing it away and then kissed the West Ham badge after converting from the penalty spot at the City Ground, helping Graham Potter’s side secure their first Premier League victory of the season.

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