Lucas Paqueta's FA spot-fixing hearing has finally concluded this week, nearly three months after it began on 17 March.
The West Ham midfielder now faces an anxious wait of four to eight weeks to learn his fate.
The Brazil international could face a life ban from football if found guilty of the charges against him.
The independent commission presiding over the case will determine whether Paqueta deliberately received yellow cards in Premier League matches to influence betting markets.
Lucas Paqueta is facing a potential life-ban from football
Reuters
The hearing, which initially was expected to last three weeks, experienced delays including an adjournment due to scheduling issues with lawyers involved in the proceedings.
West Ham are deeply frustrated by the prolonged delays, with senior club sources warning the wait is disrupting their summer transfer window plans.
The uncertainty leaves manager Graham Potter unable to determine whether a key player will be part of his squad next season.
According to the Guardian, club insiders have called for a speedier resolution, arguing the extended timeline adds to the mental strain on Paqueta.
The Brazilian has struggled to cope with the pressure of his career hanging in the balance.
The matter has already cost Paqueta an £80m move to Manchester City two years ago when the FA investigation first emerged.
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The FA has charged Paqueta with four counts of deliberately seeking yellow cards to influence betting markets and two counts of failing to cooperate with their investigation.
The charges relate to four Premier League matches where suspicious betting patterns were identified surrounding bookings he received.
The FA alleges that Paqueta "directly sought to influence ... matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee, for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting".
The charge sheet is understood to recommend a life ban if he is found guilty.
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Lucas Paqueta has been accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards to earn money for his family and friends in Brazil
Reuters
The allegations suggest he deliberately received bookings to earn money for family and friends in Brazil.
Paqueta has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, which began in August 2023.
"I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me," he said when formally charged in May 2024.
"For nine months I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name."
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Lucas Paqueta was left in tears after being booked in West Ham's 1-1 draw with TottenhamGETTYThe emotional toll became evident when Paqueta broke down in tears after receiving a yellow card during a home match against Tottenham last season.
His wife Duda subsequently described the past two years as a "nightmare" for her husband.
Former West Ham manager David Moyes, now at Everton, testified as a witness on Paqueta's behalf during the hearing.
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