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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations by an independent regulatory commission, nearly two years after the Football Association (FA) began investigating the Brazil international.
The FA opened its investigation in August 2023, and in May 2024, Paquetá was charged with four counts of deliberately receiving yellow cards to affect betting markets—an offence that could have resulted in a lifetime ban.
The charges related to bookings received during:
West Ham vs Leicester City (Nov 2022), West Ham vs Aston Villa (Mar 2023), West Ham vs Leeds United (May 2023), and West Ham vs Bournemouth (Aug 2023).
However, following a formal hearing, the commission ruled the spot-fixing charges “not proven.”
Failure to Cooperate Charges Upheld
Paquetá was also charged with two counts of failing to comply with FA Rule F3, which relates to providing documents and information. While he denied those charges as well, the commission found them to be proven, and will decide on appropriate sanctions for those breaches soon.
“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 am grateful to God and eager to return to playing football with a smile on my face.”
The 27-year-old thanked his wife, family, fans, legal team, and West Ham, who he said stood by him throughout the ordeal.
Emotional Toll and Fallout from Charges
Paquetá’s lawyer, Alastair Campbell, told BBC Radio 5 Live the player was “very emotional and very delighted” following the verdict and said “an enormous weight has been lifted from his chest.”
Paquetá was visibly distressed during a match against Tottenham in May, breaking down in tears after receiving a booking. His wife, Maria Fournier, later revealed on Instagram that the couple had been “living this nightmare for two years.”
The charges also impacted Paquetá’s career trajectory, notably derailing a proposed £85m move to Manchester City in 2023, which fell through once the FA probe surfaced.
Campbell said there could be legal implications over the collapsed transfer but added that no action would be taken until the full written reasons from the commission are reviewed.
West Ham Reacts
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady welcomed the outcome, praising Paquetá’s professionalism and stating:
“It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout. He is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode—as are we.”
Context: FA’s Betting Crackdown
The FA has taken a hard stance on betting violations in recent years:
Ivan Toney received an 8-month ban in 2023 for 232 breaches. Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier, Harry Toffolo, and Joey Barton have also faced bans of varying lengths. Bradley Wood and Kynan Isaac were given long-term bans for spot-fixing-related offences.
While Paquetá has been cleared of fixing allegations, his partial failure to comply with FA procedures remains under scrutiny.
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