West Ham to Cut Ties with Betway Amid Paqueta Betting Allegations
West Ham United is reportedly planning to terminate its sponsorship deal with Betway after the betting company’s involvement in reporting Lucas Paqueta’s alleged betting breaches. This decision comes amid concerns over how the situation was handled.
What Happened? In August of last year, Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta faced suspension by the Football Association (FA) for alleged betting breaches. The accusations claimed that Paqueta deliberately received yellow cards in four Premier League matches to benefit friends financially. These matches included games against Leicester City in 2022, and Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth in 2023. Betway, West Ham’s main shirt sponsor, flagged the suspicious betting activity to integrity investigators, bypassing the club, which has caused tension between the club and the betting company.
The Bigger Picture West Ham’s decision to cut ties with Betway is influenced by more than just the Paqueta incident. The UK government has introduced new restrictions on gambling-related front-of-shirt advertising, set to take effect in the summer of 2026. While sleeve sponsorship deals with gambling companies will still be permitted, West Ham is unlikely to continue its partnership with Betway beyond the current £10 million-a-year contract. The club maintains that their decision to move on from Betway is not directly related to the Paqueta case.
Did You Know? The new government restriction will significantly impact clubs with gambling sponsors. West Ham is already exploring alternative sponsorship options for the 2026–2027 season. The Paqueta incident has highlighted the complexities and potential conflicts that can arise from such sponsorships.
What Next for Paqueta? West Ham is reportedly considering legal action against the FA if Paqueta receives a lifetime ban from footballing activities. The club is prepared to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, contesting the FA’s authority to impose such a severe punishment. This move indicates West Ham’s support for Paqueta and their determination to challenge the ruling.
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