Lucas Paqueta Cleared of Spot-Fixing Charges
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been exonerated from spot-fixing allegations by an independent regulatory commission, following nearly two years of investigation by the Football Association (FA).
The FA initiated their inquiry in August 2023, charging the Brazilian international in May of the previous year with deliberately receiving bookings to influence the betting market.
At 27, Paqueta faced the possibility of a lifetime ban if found guilty. The charges were connected to a Premier League match against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, and subsequent 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, Leeds United on May 21, and Bournemouth on August 12.
After the hearing, the regulatory commission determined that the four charges were "not proven."
Paqueta was also accused of two counts of non-cooperation with the investigation, having breached "FA Rule F3" concerning the provision of information and documents as per "FA Rule F2." He denied these charges, but the commission found them proven and will determine an appropriate sanction promptly.
"Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations," stated Paqueta. "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."