West Ham’s Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing charges

Fast two years after the Football Association began an investigation into West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, an independent regulatory commission has ruled him innocent of spot-fixing charges.

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

If the 27-year-old was found guilty, Paqueta could receive a lifetime ban.

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.

Following the hearing, the regulatory commission determined that these four allegations were “not proven.”

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.

I have remained innocent despite these very serious allegations since the start of this investigation, Paqueta said.

“At this time, I can’t say more than how grateful I am to God and eager to return to football with a smile on my face.”

Thank you for everything, my wife, West Ham United, the fans who always cheered me on, and my family, friends, and the legal team who supported me.

In 33 West Ham Premier League appearances between 2024 and 2025, the former AC Milan and Lyon player scored four goals.

After being booked against Tottenham in May, Paqueta broke down, his wife Maria Fournier telling her and her husband, Maria Fournier, that they had “been living this nightmare for two years,” in an Instagram post on the same night.

He claimed he was “extremely surprised and upset” after being charged by the FA last year.

In his first season with the Hammers, Paqueta helped the team win the Europa Conference League for an initial sum of £36.5 million from Lyon.

West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady stated that the club was “pleased” by the decision and “resolutely supported Pasqueta throughout the entire process.”

She continued, “A Lucas and his family have been going through a difficult time, but he has remained completely professional throughout, and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, just like everyone at West Ham United.”

West Ham 0-2 Leicester – 12 November 2022

In the 60th minute, Paqueta was booked for a “lunge” on Boubakary Soumare from Leicester.

He loses the game to Leicester, who is booked at 1-0.

West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa – 12 March 2023

In the 70th minute, Paqueta was booked for a “lunging challenge” on John McGinn, with 1-1 going.

West Ham 3-1 Leeds United – 21 May 2023

Crysencio Summerville’s return to the fold in the 65th minute was blocked by Paqueta.

West Ham goes on to win 3-1 with the score at 1-1.

West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth – 12 August 2023

And for breaking these rules, a number of well-known names have received suspensions of various lengths.

Ivan Toney, an England striker who currently plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, was given an eight-month suspension in 2023 for 232 breaches of his contract with Brentford, Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United, and Al-Ahli.

Sandro Tonali admitted placing between 40 and 50 wagers after joining the club from AC Milan, and was given a suspended two-month ban last year.

Kieran Trippier, a former England defender, was given a 10-week ban in 2020 for providing information to others regarding his transfer from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid.

After admitting 375 gambling violations, Harry Toffolo, who left Nottingham Forest after his contract expired last month, was also given a five-month suspension in 2023.

After admitting to placing 1, 260 wagers in football over the course of a 10-year period, former Burnley player Joey Barton was banned for 18 months and later reduced to 13 on appeal.

In addition, Kynan Isaac, Stratford Town’s defensive player, was given a 10-year ban for his role in 2021’s FA Cup match against Shrewsbury Town.