Category News

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo claims that West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is still impacted by the investigation into the allegations of “spot-fixing” him.

The Brazilian was charged in May 2024 with being intentionally booked “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market,” according to the Football Association’s investigation in August of that year.

In July of this year, an independent regulatory commission gave him his clearance.

After being dismissed for expressing disapproval in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at home against Liverpool, Paqueta later said his actions were a “reflection of everything I have had to endure.”

If Paqueta was found guilty, the regulatory commission determined that the four charges against him were “not proven.” However, he was subject to a lifetime ban from football.

After failing to follow the investigation, he received reprimands and cautions about how he should act in the future.

Paqueta’s lawyer informed the BBC that the midfielder had “an enormous weight off his chest” and was “very emotional and very delighted” when he was cleared.

Paqueta’s wife has previously claimed that they have “been living this nightmare for two years.”

After debating whether to send a foul against his team with six minutes left, Paqueta quickly received two yellow cards on Sunday.

After collecting five yellow cards in the league, he missed West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and now plays his first game back.

Paqueta attributed Sunday’s offending to the recent two-year events, blaming what he claimed was the FA’s lack of psychological support during the investigation.

He continued, “I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”

Nuno confirmed that after the incident, Paqueta apologized to him and his Hammers teammates.

Nuno responded, “He is not okay.”

He is suffering, upset, and disappointed.

He acknowledges his error and is willing to make improvements. Sometimes people are unaware of the difficulties football players go through.

However, I believe he will get past this predicament.

Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Barcelona and Spain, is expected to miss five months following surgery on a broken leg.

The 27-year-old sprang into awkwardness on Sunday during a practice session with her country side.

She had been getting ready for the national team’s Uefa Women’s Nations League match against Germany on Tuesday at the national team’s training facility in Madrid.

Barcelona claimed to be awaiting her return after the accident so they could decide what to do with her.

The club stated in a statement on Tuesday that Bonmati had undergone surgery and that he would need five months to recover.

She would miss almost the entire season due to her inability, with Barcelona’s final league game scheduled for May 31.

The previous weekend saw the Women’s Champions League final.

Bonmati became the first woman to three times win the women’s Ballon d’Or, with the award presented annually to the player who was chosen by a panel of journalists as the best overall.

She was also named Uefa’s player of the year in the Champions League.

Spanish football reporter Elizabeth Conway from BBC Sport

Barcelona dealt a significant blow to Aitana Bonmati’s injury. The captain of Barca, the midfielder, started 13 games, giving up six goals and giving three assists.

Her absence is just one more injury to the growing injury list, which includes Patri Guijarro, who has been sidelined until at least January, and Kika Nazareth, who has been sidelined for three weeks. Salma Paralluelo, the singer’s partner, won’t play until January, and Ewa Pajor, the forward, is still sidelined with a knee issue. A return date is anticipated for December.

Since Bonmati is likely to be out until May, Barca have only a few midfield and attacking options.