FA Set to Announce Decision in Paqueta Spot-Fixing Probe

The Football Association is preparing to formally announce its decision in the long-running spot-fixing investigation involving West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazilian has been under scrutiny since August 2023 and was formally charged in May 2024 over allegations that he intentionally received yellow cards in order to manipulate betting outcomes. The charges relate to incidents across the 2022–23 and 2023–24 Premier League seasons.

According to BBC Sport, both Paqueta and West Ham have now been informed of the FA’s verdict. A source familiar with the matter indicated the ruling is expected to favour the 27-year-old, suggesting he is “effectively in the clear.”

Despite the FA initially pushing for a lifetime suspension, current signs point to a far less severe outcome, though it remains unclear if any disciplinary action will still be taken.

Neither the FA, the player’s legal representatives, nor West Ham have issued a comment in response to the developments.

Paqueta faced four main charges, stemming from matches against Leicester City (12 November 2022), Aston Villa (12 March 2023), Leeds United (21 May 2023), and Bournemouth (12 August 2023). He was also accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation, specifically by not fully complying with requests for information and documentation, breaches of FA Rules F2 and F3.

His hearing concluded in April 2025.

Paqueta featured in 33 Premier League matches for West Ham last season, scoring four goals. After receiving a booking in a May fixture against Tottenham, the visibly emotional midfielder broke down in tears. That same night, his wife Maria Fournier took to Instagram to reveal the toll the case had taken on their family, describing the experience as a “nightmare lasting two years.”

In his initial response to the FA’s charges, Paqueta expressed shock and disappointment, stating: “I deny all the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.” He also emphasized his cooperation with the investigation throughout its course.

The midfielder joined West Ham from French club Lyon in August 2022 for a reported fee of £36.5 million, playing a key role in the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League triumph during his debut campaign.

The FA maintains strict regulations barring players and others associated with the top eight tiers of English football from placing bets on any football-related activity worldwide.

Summary of Matches Under Investigation:

West Ham 0-2 Leicester City (12 November 2022)
Paqueta was cautioned in the 60th minute for a challenge on Boubakary Soumare.

West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa (12 March 2023)
Received a yellow card in the 70th minute following a challenge on John McGinn.

West Ham 3-1 Leeds United (21 May 2023)
Booked for pulling back Crysencio Summerville during a counter-attack in the 65th minute.

West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth (12 August 2023)
Shown a yellow card for handball in stoppage time (94th minute).