Lucas Paqueta is set to face an FA trial on betting allegations next month, with ExWHUEmployee providing an update.

The Brazil international has been under investigation for over 18 months, since it was announced there had been suspicions over bets made for the player to be given yellow cards in certain West Ham fixtures last season.

Paqueta, who has continued to protest his innocence in the matter, is now set to have his formal and long-awaited FA hearing on 20th March. Ex has provided an update from the clubs position on the matter at present.

“It has been asked of a top source at the club what the current situation with Lucas Paqueta’s betting is,” said Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon. “The following response has been given:

“The trial starts around March 20th for two weeks. Then a decision, if he is found guilty then they may take a few weeks to decide his punishment. The decision is based on a balance of probability. It’s very hard to be banned for life/lose a career based on balance of probability.

“In Brazil where the bets were made Paqueta has been investigated and no criminal chargers brought. It was investigated by the police in Brazil.

“The player has a swollen ankle at the moment and is expected to miss the Leicester City game although he is thought to be ahead of schedule for a return.”