West Ham player Lucas Paqueta is set to be cleared of FA spot fixing charges, as revealed by The Times this evening, in an article penned by Matt Lawton and Martyn Ziegler.
They cite sources with knowledge of the case, and tonight Claret and Hugh have heard the same from another source close to the player.
The official FA announcement is now expected to be made next week in what is sure to be an embarrassment for them but a huge relief for Paqueta, his family and West Ham.
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Paqueta’s legal fees, which include barrister Nick De Marco KC, are estimated to have cost him as much as £1 million, and the FA could face a compensation claim to recover those fees.
Claret and Hugh were first tipped off that a verdict was imminent today around midnight last night, but frustratingly, Friday came and went without a statement.
The Times news, which we believe is correct, brings some welcome good news to the end of the week.