According to a report from The Sun, Lucas Paqueta has been handed two new potential charges in his betting case after throwing his phone away which could still yet see him banned for life. 

The Brazil International was required to hand his phone to the FA a year ago after they began the investigation surrounding his suspicious betting patterns. The FA kept Paqueta’s phone for around eight weeks last autumn while investigators analysed his call log, messages, and bank records.

Since then, Paquetá has purchased a new phone and thrown away the one that was investigated. The FA reportedly asked the Brazilian to have another look at the phone at a later date, but it wasn’t able to be located.

As a result, the FA accused him of obstructing their investigation with the charges issued in May, including two aggravated breaches for non-cooperation. The 27-year-old was also charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3, which relate to his mobile phone.

SunSport also revealed on Sunday that Paqueta’s hearing is expected to take place next March although a verdict is unlikely to be reached until the summer — so he is free to play for the rest of the season. This is a huge boost for Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, who sees Paqueta as a key part of his plans.