Friday's briefing: West Ham's Lucas Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing charges
Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing charges
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is looking forward to playing football 'with a smile on his face' again after four spot-fixing charges against him which could have effectively finished his career were found not proven.
The Brazilian has been under investigation since August 2023, with the Football Association charging him in May 2024 with four alleged breaches of Rule E5.1, which relates to any attempt to improperly influence any aspect of a match.
It was alleged he deliberately attempted to receive a card in four Premier League games between November 2022 and August 2023.
He learned the outcome on Friday, and for Paqueta the decision has lifted a huge weight from his shoulders.
'Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations,' he said.
'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.
'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 – thank you for everything.'
Isak training alone at Sociedad
Alexander Isak is training alone at former club Real Sociedad (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is training individually at Real Sociedad, the Basque club have confirmed.
The Sweden international, who is reported to have asked Newcastle executives to explore a move away from St James' Park, has been heavily linked with Liverpool.
His former club Sociedad confirmed on Thursday he was 'working with his trainers' at the club's Zubieta facility.
The player did not travel with the rest of the Newcastle squad earlier this month for their pre-season tour of Asia amid speculation over his future, with the club saying at the time he was absent due to a minor thigh injury.
The decision to train at his old club rather than his current one will heighten speculation that Isak sees his future away from Newcastle.
Toone reveals grandmother died ahead of final
Ella Toone has revealed her grandmother died on the morning of the Lioness's won over Spain (Peter Byrne/PA)
Ella Toone has revealed her grandmother died on the morning of England's Euro 2025 final victory over Spain.
The 25-year-old played the opening 87 minutes of Sunday's match in Basel as the Lionesses retained their title thanks to a penalty shoot-out win following a 1-1 draw.
The Manchester United midfielder lost her father Nick to prostate cancer last September, three days short of his 60th birthday. He had been diagnosed the day after watching his daughter score in the Euro 2022 final as England beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley.
'Even in the highest of highs life can hit you with the lowest of lows,' she posted on Instagram.
'My Nana Maz took her last breath on the morning of our Euro final. I have comfort in knowing she got to watch from the best seat in the house with Dad, her favourite person.'
Crisis growing at Wednesday
A message from Henrik 🇩🇰🦉
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) July 31, 2025
The financial crisis at Sheffield Wednesday is causing growing concern within the English Football League over whether the club will be able to play their opening game of the Sky Bet Championship season, the PA news agency understands.
It is understood Wednesday players have refused to feature in a scheduled behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley on Saturday after the club failed to pay their wages on time.
The Owls are currently under an EFL embargo for unpaid transfer fees and owner Dejphon Chansiri is trying to sell the cash-strapped club.
Wednesday appointed Henrik Pedersen as their new head coach on Thursday following the departure of Danny Rohl and, just hours later, Saturday's friendly was cancelled as players and coaching staff decided to boycott the match after not receiving July's monthly salary on time.
What's on today?
24 hours until we raise the curtain on 2025/26 🫡 pic.twitter.com/l2pKVy1FEr
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) July 31, 2025
Luton begin their League One campaign following relegation last season against AFC Wimbledon at Kenilworth Road.
Arbroath kick off the Scottish Championship season at home to Ayr United.
The FA Cup continues with seven matches in the extra preliminary round.
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