Latest news with #WestHam
The Guardian
16 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Lucas Paquetá and West Ham can move on from spot-fixing case ‘nightmare'
Almost a thousand days have passed since Lucas Paquetá was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Leicester's Boubakary Soumaré in a tame home defeat for West Ham in November 2022, an otherwise inconsequential booking that triggered an extraordinary chain of events that left the Brazilian fighting for his career. As Paquetá's lawyer noted after he was cleared of spot-fixing on Thursday, Paquetá has shown more spirit and resilience during his two-year legal battle with the Football Association than his teammates managed that afternoon, although even after being exonerated in the most high-profile corruption case to hit English football since the Bruce Grobbelaar match-fixing trial three decades ago, the West Ham midfielder's victory feels somewhat pyrrhic. Paquetá has lost an £85m transfer to Manchester City that would have brought him millions and the chance to be part of the club's Premier League title success of 2023-24. This is due to the FA integrity department's decision, following an investigation than began in August 2023, that apparently unusual betting patterns surrounding four yellow cards for the 27-year-old were sufficient to charge him with spot-fixing. West Ham also lost a huge transfer fee, so it is little wonder they are considering legal action against the FA and will certainly push hard for the governing body to cover costs estimated at around £1m for the player and club. West Ham are angry that the case has taken so long to conclude. With two years left on his contract, Paquetá retains value, but given many Premier League clubs have profit and sustainability rules (PSR) issues, and there are only four weeks left in the transfer window, selling him this summer will be challenging, even though he has been cleared. The FA's investigators were hindered by difficulties in obtaining evidence from Brazil, and it took nine months of digging before charges were issued in May 2024. But the case has been beset by delays throughout. After Paquetá was charged West Ham lobbied for the hearing to be expedited. It did not begin until March this year and was adjourned, finally concluding at the beginning of June. West Ham have consequently faced uncertainty over Paquetá's position for three summer transfer windows, while the player has been in turmoil, particularly after learning that the FA was pushing for a life ban. Several staff members at West Ham have told the Guardian that Paquetá's demeanour has barely altered at the training ground over the last two years despite the severity of the charges, although a source who knows him personally said the case has taken its toll. That was clear when he burst into tears after being booked in a Premier League game against Tottenham in May, which led to his wife, Maria Fournier, writing on Instagram that the family had 'been living this nightmare for two years'. The high stakes for Paquetá contrast with the modest amounts wagered in the allegedly corrupt bets. Around 60 bets were placed on Paquetá to be shown a yellow card in four Premier League games in 2022 and 2023, with the claim being that he was deliberately booked to make money for family and friends. A source with knowledge of the FA's investigation said one of the bets was for £7, with the highest £400. While Paquetá's problems began with the Soumaré yellow card, it was subsequent bookings against Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in 2023 that led to the investigation. The fouls in each case were a lunge at John McGinn, pulling Crysencio Summerville's shirt and a handball in an aerial challenge, offences that his legal team argued were symptomatic of his carelessness, rather than being deliberate. The initial investigation into Paquetá's behaviour was conducted by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), which received an integrity alert after several bookmakers in Brazil reported an unusual number of bets on Paquetá to be booked during the Villa game on 12 March 2023. The majority of the suspicious bets were traced to Paquetá Island, an idyllic, 0.5sq mile beach paradise off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, where Paquetá was born and from which he takes his name. Ironically, most of the money staked on Paquetá to be booked used accounts with Betway, which at the time was West Ham's shirt sponsor. The concern of integrity officials was heightened by the fact most of the money came from new accounts. The FA's investigation was triggered by the booking Paquetá received at Bournemouth in West Ham's opening game of the following season, the fourth foul he had conceded that afternoon. The referee Peter Bankes's report noted that he had booked Paquetá for 'persistent infringement', which along with the number of bets placed on him to be cautioned was enough to trigger a formal probe. Much of Paquetá's defence is believed to have centred on his claim that he asked the then West Ham manager, David Moyes, not to play him at Bournemouth for fear of jeopardising the City move, which they argue demonstrated his booking could not have been premeditated. Moyes is understood to have supported this version of events, and given evidence to the independent commission on Paquetá's behalf. Paquetá's lead counsel, Nick De Marco KC, is also understood to have produced betting data showing that Paquetá frequently attracts a statistically unusual volume of bets to be booked, which they attribute to his poor disciplinary record. Paquetá's legal team also showed the panel Paquetá's entire disciplinary history, arguing that he has consistently conceded more free-kicks than his teammates throughout his career, which they argued increased the chances of him being booked. The publication of the independent commission's written reasons, which are not expected for a number of weeks, will reveal more about a fascinating case, and may make awkward reading for the FA.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How to watch Bournemouth vs West Ham live: Summer Series stream link, TV channel, team news, prediction
Bournemouth and West Ham United hope to make it two wins from three outings in the Premier League Summer Series when they meet Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Three points and a Manchester United loss to Everton by goal-differential altering score lines would also leave the winner as Premier League Summer Series champs, but managers Andoni Iraola and Graham Potter just want top performances as they ready for their domestic seasons. WATCH — Bournemouth vs West Ham stream live on Peacock Bournemouth blanked Everton 3-0 before getting walked 4-1 by Manchester United, while West Ham bounced back from a 2-1 loss to Man Utd to beat Everton by the same score. Below you'll find all the info you need for Bournemouth vs West Ham in the Premier League Summer Series, plus lineups and live updates on game day. How to watch Bournemouth vs West Ham live, stream link and start time Kick off time: 2pm ET Sunday Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia TV Channel: Peacock Streaming: Stream live on Peacock Bournemouth team news, focus The Cherries bought out a strong lineup in their loss to Man United, and will be expected to do the same albeit with some rotation. Tyler Adams, Romain Faivre, Adrien Truffert, and Hamed Traore could be set to feature longer on Sunday. West Ham team news, focus Potter waited until halftime to deploy a number of key players versus Everton, so Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug, Tomas Soucek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Jean-Clair Todibo may be in for bigger minutes against the Cherries. Bournemouth vs West Ham prediction Oh, who knows? It's preseason! Kidding aside, we expect both teams to be a bit sharper this go-round. Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United.
Powys County Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Lucas Paqueta eager to ‘play with a smile' again as he is cleared of spot-fixing
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is looking forward to playing football 'with a smile on his face' again after four spot-fixing charges against him which could have effectively finished his career were found not proven. The Brazilian has been under investigation since August 2023, with the Football Association charging him in May 2024 with four alleged breaches of Rule E5.1, which relates to any attempt to improperly influence any aspect of a match. It was alleged he deliberately attempted to receive a card in four Premier League games between November 2022 and August 2023. A guilty verdict would likely have resulted in a ban well in excess of the 10-year penalty imposed on former Reading defender Kynan Isaac in 2022 for spot-fixing, but the charges, which Paqueta strenuously denied from the outset, were found not proven by an independent regulatory commission. West Ham United can confirm that an independent Regulatory Commission has cleared Lucas Paquetá of misconduct charges made against him by the Football Association for alleged breaches of FA rule E5. — West Ham United (@WestHam) July 31, 2025 Paqueta learned the outcome on Friday. Two charges related to an alleged failure to co-operate with the FA were proven, with the FA stating that an appropriate sanction would be decided by the regulatory commission at the earliest opportunity. For Paqueta, the decision has lifted a huge weight from his shoulders. 'Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations,' he said. 'I can't say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face. 'To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, to the fans who always cheered me on, and to my family, friends and the legal team who have supported me – thank you for everything.' The FA said it would not comment until the written reasons are published and it remains to be seen whether it will appeal or whether Paqueta will appeal against the two charges found proven. Alastair Campbell, a partner at the law firm Level who led Paqueta's legal team, said the FA's case was built on 'circumstantial evidence'. He told the PA news agency: 'A circumstantial evidence case is built on various strands of evidence and, as a lawyer, you look at those strands of evidence and consider where they are subject to question or attack. That's how we approached it.' Paqueta's legal team also featured well-known sports law barrister Nick De Marco. Campbell said there had not been detailed pleading on sanctions at the hearing but added the FA would have been looking for 'north' of the 10-year ban imposed on Isaac. Campbell revealed reports of unusual betting activity had been the 'genesis' of the FA investigation. He said the FA had never claimed Paqueta had sought to benefit personally from the alleged misconduct. West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady welcomed the decision by the commission and said: 'We are pleased Lucas has been cleared. He has maintained his innocence from the outset and as a club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process. 'Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the club, always giving everything. 'It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham.'
NBC Sports
2 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
How to watch Bournemouth vs West Ham live: Summer Series stream link, TV channel, team news, prediction
Bournemouth and West Ham United hope to make it two wins from three outings in the Premier League Summer Series when they meet Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Three points and a Manchester United loss to Everton by goal-differential altering score lines would also leave the winner as Premier League Summer Series champs, but managers Andoni Iraola and Graham Potter just want top performances as they ready for their domestic seasons. WATCH — Bournemouth vs West Ham stream live on Peacock Bournemouth blanked Everton 3-0 before getting walked 4-1 by Manchester United, while West Ham bounced back from a 2-1 loss to Man Utd to beat Everton by the same score. Below you'll find all the info you need for Bournemouth vs West Ham in the Premier League Summer Series, plus lineups and live updates on game day. How to watch Bournemouth vs West Ham live, stream link and start time Kick off time: 2pm ET Sunday Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia TV Channel: Peacock Streaming: Stream live on Peacock Bournemouth team news, focus The Cherries bought out a strong lineup in their loss to Man United, and will be expected to do the same albeit with some rotation. Tyler Adams, Romain Faivre, Adrien Truffert, and Hamed Traore could be set to feature longer on Sunday. West Ham team news, focus Potter waited until halftime to deploy a number of key players versus Everton, so Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug, Tomas Soucek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Jean-Clair Todibo may be in for bigger minutes against the Cherries. Bournemouth vs West Ham prediction Oh, who knows? It's preseason! Kidding aside, we expect both teams to be a bit sharper this go-round. Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United.
NBC Sports
2 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Manchester United 2-1 West Ham: Bruno brace paves way for Amorim's men
Bruno Fernandes scored in each half as Manchester United defeated West Ham United 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in both teams' Summer Series openers on Saturday. MORE — Full list of ins and outs at all 20 Premier League clubs The Red Devils used 21 players — only goalkeeper Altay Bayindir went 90 minutes — and started Matheus Cunha, who looked bright. Ruben Amorim's men showed better defensive understanding, too. But West Ham was not great, Jarrod Bowen's second-half goal pulling Graham Potter's Irons as close as they'd come just after the hour mark. What's next? The Summer Series heads to Chicago, where West Ham will scrap with Everton at Soldier Field for a 6:30pm ET Wednesday kickoff. Manchester United meets Bournemouth three hours later. Below you'll find video highlights and live updates as they happened from New Jersey. How to watch Manchester United vs West Ham live, stream link and start time Kick off time: 7pm ET Saturday (July 26) Venue: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New Jersey TV Channel, Streaming: Peacock Manchester United vs West Ham live updates — by Nick Mendola Manchester United vs West Ham final score — 2-1 Goal scorer: Bruno Fernandes (pen) 5', 52'; Jarrod Bowen 63' West Ham subs Lucas Paqueta, Kostas Mavorpanos, and Freddie Potts enter for Rodriguez, Fullkrug, and Todibo. (Almost) Wholesale changes for Man United On come Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Diego Leon, Chido Obi-Martin, Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, and Toby Collyer. Bayindir remains in the game. Jarrod Bowen goal — Man United 2-1 West Ham Two old reliable Irons combine to pull the Red Devils within one, as Tomas Soucek sets up Jarrod Bowen after the hour mark. Bruno Fernandes goal — Man United 2-0 West Ham West Ham don't look so good, but Bruno Fernandes sure does. Kobbie Mainoo on the assist. Ruben Amorim speaks to Rebecca Lowe Amorim says the starters will go another 25 minutes or so after the interval. Halftime — Man United 1-0 West Ham Altay Bayindir has had a couple of decent moments for the leaders, while Alphonse Areola's errors account for his team's deficit. But Man United have been sound at the back, their returning players looking comfortable in Ruben Amorim's system. Small signs, but signs. Man Utd offside goal No VAR at the Summer Series, but we're not sure it would've mattered much. Manuel Ugarte plays Amad Diallo into the box with a slick through ball, and Amad buries his chance past Areola. But he's a half-yard early. Matheus Cunha impressing He looks the same player who starred for Wolves. Manchester United penalty — Bruno Fernandes goal An Alphonse Areola error is multiplied by a second. He can't hold onto a cross and then hauls down Ayden Heaven in the box. Bruno Fernandes at the spot. Not a problem. Rasmus Hojlund clobbers the post Fernandes slides Rasmus Hojlund toward goal in the first minute, but Max Kilman is stride for stride with the striker. Still, Hojlund lets loose with a left-footed rocket that slams off the near post. Here we go! Bruno Fernandes gets us underway at MetLife in the second game of this Summer Series doubelheader. Bournemouth won the first match, 3-0 over Everton. Manchester United lineup Bayindir, Yoro, De Ligt, Heaven, Dorgu, Mainoo, Ugarte, Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, Hojlund West Ham lineup Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, Diouf, Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Bowen, Fullkrug. Manchester United vs West Ham United preview — by Andy Edwards The Red Devils appointed Amorim back in November after Erik ten Hag was fired, but the 40-year-old Portuguese wasn't too keen to take over mid-season and instead wanted to start the job this summer. Well, Man United finished the season 15th and won just 27 points from 27 games (16th during that time) under Amorim. It's easy to see why he wanted a clean slate at Old Trafford, because now the new season is upon us and everyone is already thinking, if not saying, it: How many more defeats (14 of 27) will it take before Amorim is under real pressure to save his job? United should score more goals this season (32 in 27) after signing established Premier League stars Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for a combined $180 million, but the problematic midfield remains unchanged, as does the shoddily patchworked defense (42 conceded in 27). Speaking of another manager who likely wanted to start his new gig in the summer, Graham Potter is set for his first full season at West Ham. Mohammed Kudus' $74-million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur leaves Potter short on attacking quality, but with the necessary funds to (finally) start piecing together his new project. So far, center back Jean-Clair Todibo ($44 million, Nice), left back El Hadji Malick Diouf ($25.5 million, Slavia Prague) and Kyle Walker-Peters (free, Southampton) have added to the team that struggled its way to a 14th-place finish last season. Manchester United team news, focus OUT: Andre Onana (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (torn ACL) West Ham team news, focus OUT: Crysencio Summerville (hamstring) Manchester United vs West Ham prediction On paper, West Ham are really going to struggle to create scoring chances, let alone actually score them, this season. Manchester United 2-0 West Ham. Jarrod Bowen gives the Hammers faithful some hope down the stretch as he blasts his effort into the back of the net to make it a one-goal game against Manchester United at MetLife Stadium. Alphonse Areola's second mistake of the night results in Manchester United's second goal against West Ham as Bruno Fernandes completes his brace at MetLife Stadium. A terrible error and foul by Alphonse Areola allows Bruno Fernandes to step up to the penalty spot and make it 1-0 against West Ham at MetLife Stadium.
