Report reveals a significant setback for Paquetá and West Ham that is utterly ridiculous.

West Ham United acquired Lucas Paquetá from Lyon in the summer of 2022 for a club-record fee of £51 million.

The Brazilian midfielder has had a generally impressive tenure at West Ham, but his form has noticeably declined over the past year.

This dip in performance is not surprising, especially given the ongoing investigation into his involvement in potential betting breaches.

Paquetá has now been charged with these alleged offenses, and if found guilty, he could face a lifetime ban from the sport.

The allegations suggest that he deliberately received yellow cards in matches against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth, starting from November 2022.

In addition, he faces two further charges for failing to cooperate with the investigation.

Tony Gale criticized Paquetá’s performance during West Ham’s recent match against Ipswich Town, highlighting that the midfielder was underwhelming despite scoring.

This criticism reflects a growing concern for both Paquetá and the club.

The current situation presents a significant challenge for West Ham.

They are dealing with an underperforming player who is unable to contribute effectively on the pitch, and the ongoing investigation has hindered their ability to transfer him.

For the Hammers to move forward, clarity on Paquetá’s situation is crucial. Unfortunately, a recent update has added to the frustration.

Reports from The Sun indicate that Paquetá will not face a hearing regarding the alleged spot-fixing until March, prolonging the uncertainty surrounding his future.

If found guilty, the consequences could be severe, potentially leading to a lifetime ban.

Many fans believe that this hearing should have taken place during the summer or at least during the offseason in 2025.

Holding it mid-season is seen as detrimental and disruptive to West Ham’s campaign in the Premier League.

Both Paquetá and West Ham need closure on this matter.

For the midfielder to regain his best form, he requires a resolution to the investigation as soon as possible.

It’s likely challenging for him to focus on his performance while the investigation looms over him.

The prospect of waiting until March for a hearing is frustrating, and it raises questions about the process.

It feels unnecessary to prolong the situation when a determination on his guilt or innocence could be reached sooner.

Fans can only hope that Paquetá is cleared of the charges. If he is found guilty, it is hoped that any resulting ban will be relatively short.

Ultimately, West Ham needs Paquetá to perform at his highest level to realize their full potential as a team.

Unfortunately, the current circumstances make it nearly impossible for the talented midfielder to be the player he is capable of being.