“Neymar Breaks Silence as Lucas Paqueta Makes Shock Return Amid Spot-Fixing Scandal
Lucas Paqueta Awaits Verdict Amid Career Uncertainty, Features in Neymar’s Charity Match
If any footballer—particularly in the Premier League—needed a break to clear his mind, it’s likely West Ham United’s troubled Brazilian international, Lucas Paqueta.
After months of legal uncertainty, Paqueta’s spot-fixing investigation finally wrapped up a few weeks ago. However, a swift decision hasn’t followed. According to The Guardian, the West Ham midfielder might have to wait until early August to learn his fate, with the FA reportedly pushing for a lifetime ban if he’s found guilty.
The ongoing cloud over his career appears to be taking a toll. In April, Paqueta was visibly emotional after receiving a booking during a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Concerned by the impact of off-field distractions, then-West Ham boss Graham Potter benched him for the following match against Manchester United, which the Hammers won 2-0.
Brazilian journalist Fred Caldeira believes the case has only two likely outcomes: Paqueta is either acquitted and resumes his career, or he’s banned from football entirely. A long-term suspension seems unlikely, according to Caldeira’s sources.
Given the circumstances, Paqueta may have wondered if his appearance in a recent charity match—playing alongside Diego Tardelli, Ze Roberto, and Arthur Melo—could be one of his last outings on the pitch if the worst-case scenario comes to pass.
Neymar Reunites with Paqueta at Star-Studded Charity Game
Paqueta took part in a charity match organized by Neymar, with proceeds benefiting the Brazilian star’s foundation. The event brought Neymar and Paqueta back together, former teammates in the national side.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played for Brazil since November and was excluded from Carlo Ancelotti’s first national squad this month, a decision undoubtedly influenced by the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Should Paqueta be cleared, he could do well to draw inspiration from Neymar, who has become adept at tuning out criticism and letting his performances speak for themselves.
“Everyone assumes I was partying all the time,” Neymar said after the fundraiser. “But it only happened during my free time or vacations. I’ve been playing at the top level for 15 years. That doesn’t happen without sacrifice. You have to give up a lot.”
Possible Exit from West Ham Looms if Cleared
Paqueta has remained largely silent since the charges were brought against him, making only one public statement. However, football reporter Graeme Bailey told TBR Football that a resolution is expected soon, with optimism that Paqueta will be cleared to continue playing in the Premier League.
“We’re expecting him to be exonerated or at least cleared to play next season,” Bailey said, though he noted that West Ham may look to cash in on the Brazilian as they seek to fund new signings.
“Paqueta, Tomas Soucek, and Mohammed Kudus are likely to be the club’s biggest sales.”
