Lucas Paqueta breaks silence after FA announce decision on spot-fixing ban
After nearly two years, the FA have confirmed their decision regarding Lucas Paqueta's spot-fixing ban.
Back in August 2023, the Football Association launched official investigation into West Ham United star Paqueta over suspicious betting patterns.
Nearly a year later in May 2024, the FA announced that they had charged the Brazil international with allegedly intentionally getting himself booked in four matches, therefore breaching FA Rules E5 and F3.
In addition to those four charges, Paqueta was also charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.
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When he was charged, it was revealed that the incidents in question related to a Premier League game against Leicester City on 12 November in 2022, plus 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on 12 March, Leeds United on 21 May and Bournemouth on 12 August.
Since the investigation was launched, Paqueta strongly denied all allegations made against him, and his spoken out about the emotional and physical toll that the situation has taken on him.
And now, the outcome of the investigation has finally been revealed, as the FA has released an official statement confirming that Paqueta has been cleared of misconduct charges.
In their official statement, the FA confirmed: "An independent Regulatory Commission has found the misconduct charges against West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta for alleged breaches of FA Rule E5 to be not proven. Lucas Paqueta was charged with four alleged breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct during the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
"It was alleged that Lucas Paqueta directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting. Lucas Paqueta denied the charges against him, and the Regulatory Commission found them to be not proven following a hearing.
"The Regulatory Commission has found the misconduct charges against the player for alleged breaches of FA Rule F3 to be proven. Lucas Paqueta was charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in relation to alleged failures to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information to The FA's investigation. Lucas Paqueta denied the charges against him, but the Regulatory Commission found them to be proven following the hearing.
"The Regulatory Commission will decide an appropriate sanction for these breaches at the earliest opportunity.The FA awaits the Regulatory Commission’s written reasons in relation to its decisions on the charges, and will not be commenting further until that time."
Paqueta issues statement after FA verdict
Paqueta also issued a statement of his own, commenting: “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 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.”
Paqueta joined West Ham United in August 2022 from Ligue 1 side Lyon for a reported club record fee of £51 million.
Since then, the Brazilian has made 120 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 18 goals and assisting 14.
Just one year after joining the London club, Paqueta appeared set to leave the club to join Manchester City after reportedly agreeing terms with the Premier League champions in August 2023.
The midfielder is believed to have viewed the transfer as his 'dream move' with West Ham set to receive between £80m-85m for their star player.
However, when news of the FA investigation became public, the deal fell apart.
Paqueta is therefore free to continue his playing career but a recent report claimed West Ham would be willing to accept offers in the region of £30 million for their No.10.
He has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League as well as former club Flamengo.
Topics: Premier League, Football, Transfer News, West Ham
Ben McCrum