FA clears Lucas Paqueta of betting charges after long investigation
Paqueta's Reputation Reinstated after Lengthy FA Investigation
Lucas Paqueta can finally breathe again. After nearly two years of suspicion, delay and professional limbo, the West Ham midfielder has been cleared of spot-fixing charges that had threatened to derail both his Premier League career and international aspirations.
The Football Association had accused the Brazilian of deliberately receiving yellow cards in order to manipulate betting markets, citing four matches between November 2022 and August 2023. But following a thorough hearing, an independent Regulatory Commission dismissed those charges — drawing a line under one of the most closely scrutinised integrity cases in recent English football memory.
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Player Grateful After 'Extremely Serious Accusations'
From the outset, Paqueta maintained his innocence — a position he restated with poise and emotion following the FA's announcement. '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.'
Those sentiments echoed his earlier reaction in May 2024, when he described himself as 'extremely surprised and upset' by the initial charges brought by the FA.
West Ham Show Loyalty During Unsettled Period
West Ham have emerged from the saga with their loyalty to the player intact. The club publicly welcomed Thursday's verdict and reaffirmed their backing for the 27-year-old, describing the last 18 months as 'a long and difficult process'.
It is a rare instance in which a player's reputation survives a match-fixing probe without lasting damage. In Paqueta's case, the support of the club, and notably its fanbase, has played a significant role in preserving the trust he holds within the game.
Regulatory Commission Still to Decide on Secondary Breaches
While cleared of influencing match outcomes, Paqueta was found to have breached FA Rule F3 for failing to comply with parts of the investigation. The FA confirmed: 'Lucas Paqueta was charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in relation to alleged failures to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information… [These] were found to be proven following the hearing.'
The Regulatory Commission is now considering an appropriate sanction for these infractions. Whether a fine or further action is imposed remains to be seen, but what's clear is that Paqueta's name is no longer weighed down by the gravest of allegations.
And for West Ham, the resolution offers some long-awaited clarity ahead of a crucial new season — one in which Paqueta can now return to centre stage, unburdened.
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