A finance expert has revealed the true reasons as to why West Ham are cutting ties with Betway.

After the news initially broke that Lucas Paqueta had been caught up in a betting scandal, fans were left shocked at the news that it was West Ham’s shirt sponsor Betway who flagged the FA, after all, what are the odds of Brazilians using the company when it’s hardly used in South America? However, when you think about it, it’s about the most West Ham thing that could’ve happened.

A year later, we’re still none the wiser as to whether the midfielder is guilty or not. What has emerged though is the Hammers are keen on cutting ties with Betway altogether and, understandably, many have been quick to assume it’s due to their involvement in potentially getting him banned although, according to financial expert Stefan Borson, that is highly unlikely to be the case.

“I don’t believe the story,” he explained to Football Insider. “I don’t believe the reason they are cutting ties with Betway was because Betway fulfilled their duties from a betting perspective to disclose the movements that they saw.”

“I think it’s likely that they were going to find a new sponsor anyway. We know that betting sponsors are going to be banned from the end of the 2025-26 season and clubs are going to have to find new partners.”

“This was probably just good timing. Everybody is going to have to find different revenues away from betting quite quickly, so we’ll see about that.”

“But I’m not sure what they could have done in terms of Paqueta. They have obligations to the wider industry and to the regulator to disclose those sorts of movements.”

Realistically, it’s hard to imagine the Irons actually being annoyed over Betway not only doing what’s right, but what’s legally required. As frustrating as it is, they’re not going to risk massive repercussions just to protect a player from a team they sponsor.

As Borson explained, the Hammers would have to find a new shirt sponsor soon anyway, so it’s likely just in preparation for the new legislation which is a massive step in the right direction.