West Ham's Paqueta cleared of betting charges
It was alleged the 27-year-old directly sought to influence games by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the "improper purpose of affecting the betting market".
The four charges against Paqueta related to a game against Leicester in November 2022 and matches against Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in 2023.
He was facing the prospect of a lifetime ban if found guilty.
The Brazilian denied the charges and the independent regulatory commission found them not proven following a hearing.
The FA said two charges against Paqueta, related to a failure to cooperate with its investigation, had been found proven.
It said a commission would decide on an appropriate sanction for those proven breaches "at the earliest opportunity".
The Brazilian, who joined West Ham in 2022, said in a club statement that he had always maintained his "innocence against these extremely serious accusations".
"I can't say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face," he said.
"To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, to the fans who always cheered me on, and to my family, friends and the legal team who have supported me."
West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady said: "We are pleased Lucas has been cleared. He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and as a club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process."
Alastair Campbell, a partner at the law firm Level and the head of Paqueta's legal team, said: "Few cases carry the gravity of this one -- professionally, personally and emotionally for our client.
"Lucas has faced down immense pressure with remarkable strength and resilience."
The FA said it was awaiting the written reasons from the independent commission in relation to its decision on the charges, and would not be commenting further until that time.
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali was given a suspended two-month ban in May last year over breaches of betting rules.
It came as the Italian international was serving a 10-month ban handed down by the Italian authorities for betting offences.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
3 hours ago
- France 24
Maddison set to miss most of Spurs season after knee injury
The England international missed the end of the 2024/25 campaign with a knee injury but featured in pre-season under new boss Thomas Frank. Maddison collapsed in pain during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle in South Korea on Sunday with no one around him and left the pitch on a stretcher late in the game. Spurs' worst fears have now been confirmed, with the player facing surgery. "We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee," said a club statement. "The 28-year-old midfielder suffered the injury during our pre-season friendly against Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul. "His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team." The news is also a major blow to Maddison's hopes of forcing his way into England boss Thomas Tuchel's selection for next year's World Cup. Tottenham, who won the Europa League last season, face Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in Italy on August 13 before launching their Premier League campaign against Burnley three days later.
France 24
6 hours ago
- France 24
Frankfurt sign Japan winger Doan until 2030
Doan arrives for a reported fee of 20 million euros (£17 million). He made 123 appearances for Freiburg, scoring 26 goals and laying on 23 assists. The 27-year-old played a key role last season, netting 10 times and adding eight assists as Freiburg finished fifth in the Bundesliga to qualify for the Europa League. Doan is Frankfurt's second major signing after Jonathan Burkardt as they look to cover for the loss of Hugo Ekitike, who left for Premier League champions Liverpool. "In the past few years Ritsu Doan has shown his high quality in the Bundesliga and brings a level of skill which will help us to achieve our goals," Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche said in a statement. Doan has 57 caps for Japan, scoring 10 goals. Frankfurt play their final pre-season friendly on Saturday at Premier League side Fulham, before opening their Bundesliga campaign at home to Werder Bremen on August 23.
France 24
18 hours ago
- France 24
'Global icon' Son Heung-min joins LAFC from Tottenham
The 33-year-old will reportedly cost a Major League Soccer record $26 million transfer fee, according to ESPN and The Athletic, after a decade in the Premier League where he became a household name. An emotional Son announced on Saturday in his homeland that he would be leaving Spurs, just months after ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League as captain. He leaves as Tottenham's fifth highest goalscorer of all-time with 173 goals in 454 appearances. 'Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,' said LAFC co-president & general manager John Thorrington. "We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. "Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community – both on and off the pitch." Son is set to be presented at a press conference in Los Angeles at 2 pm local time (2100 GMT) His imminent arrival drew crowds on Tuesday to Los Angeles International Airport with fans waving South Korean flags and messages of support. Son will replace French striker Olivier Giroud, who was sold to Lille in July, and will share a dressing room with French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, his former teammate at Tottenham. 'Sonny is one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt and he has been a joy to watch over the past decade," said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. "Not only is he a wonderfully gifted footballer, but he's also an incredible human being who has touched hearts and inspired people throughout the club and all over the world. "The Europa League triumph in Bilbao was a truly magical moment in the club's history and Sonny lifting the trophy is a perfect lasting memory from his fantastic decade at Tottenham Hotspur."
