Lucas Paquetá (28, West Ham United) is facing the possibility of a lifetime ban from the Football Association (FA).

British 'Sky Sports' reported on the 6th (Korea time) that "the FA is seeking a lifetime ban in connection with Paquetá's betting allegations hearing scheduled for this month. The hearing will last for three weeks."

Paquetá has been charged with intentionally receiving warnings last year. The FA announced in May 2024 that "Paquetá has been charged with violations related to FA regulations E5 and F3. He is accused of violating E5 regulations in four matches: against Leicester City on Nov. 12, 2022, against Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, against Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and against Bournemouth on Aug. 12, 2023."

The FA also stated, "It is alleged that Paquetá possessed improper motives that could influence the betting market for personal gain and attempted to directly affect the match proceedings and other aspects by intentionally receiving warnings. He has also been charged with violations related to non-compliance under FA regulation F2 and two violations of F3. The player must respond to the charges by June 3."

Sky Sports explained, "Paquetá has been charged with match-fixing allegations in four Premier League (PL) matches. He denies any wrongdoing. However, he has also been charged with failing to comply with regulations concerning the provision of information and documents."

Brazilian national team midfielder Paquetá entered the European stage wearing an AC Milan uniform in 2018. He transferred to Olympique Lyon a year later and began to make a name for himself as a key player.

Paquetá, who was receiving a lot of attention, joined West Ham in the summer of 2022. The aggregate transfer fee was a staggering £60 million (approximately 104.3 billion won), with a contract period of 5+1 years. He immediately showcased his abilities in the PL and became an indispensable player in West Ham's midfield.

Then Manchester City moved to acquire Paquetá. Manager Pep Guardiola identified him as a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva. According to the British 'Daily Mail', Manchester City had agreed to pay as much as £80 million (approximately 139 billion won) for Paquetá.

However, unexpected allegations of betting regulation violations became a stumbling block, making the deal fall through. Paquetá was accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards four times and was charged after nearly nine months of investigation.

According to the FA, abnormal betting movements were detected on Paquetá Island in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his home country. There is no evidence that Paquetá placed the bets himself, but it is highly likely that he was directly involved.

Of course, Paquetá completely denies the allegations. At the time, he said, "I am very surprised and angry that the FA has decided to charge me. I cooperated with every stage of the FA's investigation for nine months and provided all the information I could. I deny all allegations and I will fight with all my strength to clarify the facts. Since the investigation is still ongoing, I will not say anything more."

For now, Paquetá continues to wear the West Ham and Brazil national team uniforms. Although the FA is seeking a lifetime ban, he is determined to step onto the pitch without wavering.

Kabe Sholhecol, a Sky Sports reporter, noted, "Paquetá is determined to clear his name no matter what. He insists he has done nothing wrong and will not rest until he is exonerated."

He also added, "There are talks about a lifetime suspension. But Paquetá is not thinking that way. He believes he has not bet on any football match." It seems Paquetá's fate will be determined three weeks after the conclusion of the hearing.

[Photo] ⓒGetty Images (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Sky Sports.

[OSEN = Ko Seong-hwan, reporter]