West Ham fuming with FA as Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing case closes in on two years without a verdict

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WEST HAM are furious Lucas Paqueta’s spot- fixing case has been allowed to drag on into another season.The Hammers star, 27, will begin pre-season tomorrow with the cloud of a life-changing ban hanging over his head.RexLucas Paqueta’s FA investigation has been going on since August 2023[/caption]An FA investigation started in AUGUST 2023.The midfielder’s hearing finally began in March this year and concluded last month.But both the player and West Ham are still awaiting a verdict.The case has taken an emotional toll on the Brazil international, who was reduced to tears following a yellow card against Tottenham in May.Paqueta was charged with four counts of spot-fixing in May last year after being accused of deliberately getting booked in Prem games.Bets across multiple bookies were traced back to Paqueta Island in Brazil where he grew up.Paqueta denies any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence.The FA investigation scuppered an £85million move to Manchester City in the summer of 2023.And Paqueta’s form has noticeably declined as the case rumbled on.At the end of last season, Hammers boss Graham Potter said: “It’s taken its toll on him.”West Ham are open to selling the former Lyon man to raise funds.The FA declined to comment.