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Paqueta 'grateful' after being cleared of spot-fixing charges

Paqueta 'grateful' after being cleared of spot-fixing charges

BBC News3 days ago
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta says he is eager to "return to playing football with a smile on my face" after being formally cleared of charges related to spot-fixing.Paqueta had been under investigation since August 2023 and was charged by the FA in May 2024 for allegedly getting booked deliberately "for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market".The four charges against him related to a Premier League game against Leicester City on 12 November 2022, as well as 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on 12 March, Leeds United on 21 May and Bournemouth on 12 August.The regulatory commission found these four charges to be "not proven" following the hearing.In a statement released by the club, the 27-year-old said: "Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my 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."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."Paqueta scored four goals in 33 Premier League appearances for West Ham during 24-25.He was in tears after being booked against Tottenham in May, with his wife Maria Fournier saying in an Instagram post the same evening that they had "been living this nightmare for two years".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."Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the Club, always giving everything. It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham United."Paqueta was also charged with two counts of failing to co-operate with the investigation after breaching "FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2", which relates to providing information and documents.He also denied these charges, but the regulatory commission found them to be proven and will "decide an appropriate sanction for these breaches at the earliest opportunity".
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