FA will not appeal against Paqueta spot-fixing decision

The Football Association won’t file an appeal if West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is cleared of four spot-fixing accusations.

Four charges were found to be “not proven,” according to an independent regulatory commission hearing that took place following an FA investigation.

On Wednesday, the commission’s findings were released in writing, with full details provided.

The FA, the governing body of English football, stated that it is “committed to ensuring the integrity of football is maintained” and that serious allegations of rule breaking will always be investigated thoroughly.

The Brazil international was charged in May of last year after the FA launched an investigation in August 2023 for allegedly getting booked purposefully “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market.”

The four charges against him relate to Premier League games against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, and 2023 games against Aston Villa on March 12, Leeds United on May 21, and Bournemouth on August 12.

Additionally, Paqueta was charged with two counts of failing to cooperate with the investigation after breaking “FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply” with FA Rule F2, which covers providing documents and information.

The regulatory commission determined that these allegations were supported by him as well, but he also denied them.

The FA stated that the regulatory commission would decide whether to punish violations of FA Rule F3 that were found to be justified and that more information would be made as soon as possible.