Lucas Paqueta and West Ham could SUE FA over Brazil star's collapsed £80m transfer

Lucas Paqueta and West Ham are considering whether or not to sue the FA following betting allegations that threatened his career and ultimately curtailed a move to Manchester City.

The Brazilian was first investigated by the FA's top brass in August 2023 and that saw those at the Etihad, who had considered making an £80million move, end their interest in the playmaker. They went on to win the Premier League that year.

That could've been a career-defining move for Paqueta, allowing him to land top honours, and also have resulted in the Hammers banking huge sums, which they are unlikely to recoup now. Their anger has only increased after it emerged that the FA investigators began their case without any direct evidence.

Now the midfielder’s legal team and the Hammers are considering a potential multi-million pound legal case against the FA, reports The Sun.

Among the reasons for dismissed the main allegation were the fact FA bosses relied on the suspicions of their internal expert - whose claims were demolished by David Moyes and ex-ref Mark Clattenburg. His lack of independence was also cited as an “obvious flaw” in the case.

READ MORE: Lucas Paqueta issues response as FA make decision on spot-fixing appeal

READ MORE: Lucas Paqueta faces 'six-figure fine' despite being cleared of spot-fixing charges

And at one point during the proceedings, the FA claimed that it was up to the West Ham playmaker to prove his innocence, rather than it being on the governing body to show that he was guilty - a view firmly rejected by the panel. Paqueta faced a four-year ban if the charges had been proven.

Paqueta was found guilty on two charges of failing to co-operate with the investigation and as a result the Brazilian is expected to be hit with a fine instead of a ban with the commission indicating that any sanction would likely be "at the lower end of the scale".

During the trial the Brazilian said: “I feel totally devastated for what I have been going through. I have been living a nightmare for two years. I hope that I will recover my dignity as a man, as well as a football player.”

The FA confirmed it would not be appealing the verdict but a spokesperson did say: “The FA is committed to ensuring that the integrity of football is maintained, and full and thorough investigations will always be conducted into serious allegations of rule breaches.”

Paqueta has already scored twice for West Ham this season, including one in their win over Nottingham Forest where his celebration underlined his commitment to the club.

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