West Ham Exclusive: Shocking Paqueta Ban Schedule Revealed

West Ham reveal Paqueta ban plan to Claret & Hugh

Claret & Hugh have this morning learnt the full extent and timeline of Lucas Paqueta’s imminent FA hearing for betting charges, and it isn’t good news.

We spoke to a top source at the London Stadium to clarify recent rumours that the hearing was happening in March. However, during the exchange, we got more than we bargained for as the West Ham insider laid out the full schedule, including when any ban could be imposed.

C&H were told: “The hearing starts around March 20th and lasts for two weeks. Then they’ll [The FA] make a decision. If found guilty, they may take a few weeks to decide on the punishment.”

Astonishing stuff, and what it actually means could send shockwaves through West Ham, with our prized playmaker likely to be either acquitted or banned before the end of April.

In real terms, and in a worst-case scenario, it could mean a lifetime ban for Hammers record signing Paqueta, but one would expect any such decision to be appealed.

C&H have been informed by West Ham that Paqueta has appointed his own legal team to represent him.

Lucas Paquetá’s FA hearing dates had slipped largely under the radar until last night: It was reported earlier in the year that the Brazilian would face his FA accusers at the end of the season – as we thought – until news came back from our source inside West Ham last night confirming that Paquetá would be dealt with next month.

Of course, Paquetá maintains his innocence of all charges and is planning to fight the accusations.

However, apart from the potential disaster from a personal point of view for the player and the financial consequences for the club, there remains a threat of losing the only real midfield playmaker at West Ham.