West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations that had threatened to derail his career. The Football Association (FA) had charged the Brazilian with four counts of intentionally getting booked in Premier League matches to manipulate betting outcomes, but an independent regulatory commission has now found the charges to be “not proven.”
The investigation, which began in August 2023, centered around yellow cards Paquetá received in matches between November 2022 and August 2023. It was alleged that he deliberately sought bookings to allow friends or family to profit from bets. The player had strongly denied the accusations from the outset and has now been vindicated.
In a formal statement, Paquetá expressed deep relief over the outcome, saying he had consistently maintained his innocence throughout what he described as a “nightmare” that lasted nearly two years. He expressed gratitude to his family, legal team, West Ham United, and supporters who stood by him during the difficult period. He now looks forward to returning to the game with joy and focus.
Despite being cleared of the spot-fixing charges, the midfielder was found guilty of failing to fully cooperate with the investigation. The FA concluded that he did not adequately fulfill his obligations to answer questions and provide relevant information during the probe.
Paquetá had been on the verge of a significant transfer to Manchester City, worth a reported £85 million, at the time the investigation commenced. That move was put on hold as scrutiny over his conduct intensified.
West Ham United have offered strong support to the player throughout the ordeal. The club’s vice-chair confirmed that the club never wavered in its backing of the midfielder and commended his professionalism. Despite the ongoing case, Paquetá continued to perform consistently for the team, delivering strong performances under immense personal pressure.
With the regulatory cloud now lifted, both the player and the club are eager to put the matter behind them. The resolution paves the way for Paquetá to focus entirely on his football career, possibly reigniting interest from top-tier clubs as he looks ahead to new opportunities.
