Lucas Paquetá Cleared of Spot-Fixing Allegations After Lengthy FA Investigation

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations by an independent regulatory commission, nearly two years after the Football Association (FA) first opened an inquiry into his conduct, Sport360NG reports.

The FA launched its investigation in August 2023, with charges formally brought against the Brazilian international in May of the following year. Paquetá was accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards in four Premier League matches in order to influence betting outcomes—allegations he consistently denied.

Now 27, Paquetá faced four serious charges relating to games against Leicester City (12 November 2022), Aston Villa (12 March 2023), Leeds United (21 May 2023), and Bournemouth (12 August 2023). If found guilty, he risked a lifetime ban from football. However, the regulatory panel concluded that the FA had not proven these allegations.

In a statement, Paquetá expressed his relief and gratitude.
“From day one, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations,” he said. “I can’t comment further right now, but I want to thank God, my wife, West Ham, the supporters, and everyone who stood by me throughout this ordeal.”

Though exonerated on the spot-fixing claims, Paquetá was found to have breached FA Rule F3 by failing to fully cooperate during the investigation—specifically, for not providing certain documents and information as required. A separate sanction will be decided in due course.

His lawyer, Alastair Campbell, told BBC Radio 5 Live the player was “very emotional and very delighted” by the outcome, adding that a “huge weight” had been lifted.

The protracted case has had a significant impact on Paquetá’s career. His wife, Maria Fournier, described the ordeal as a “two-year nightmare” in a social media post, while the midfielder was visibly upset after receiving a booking in a match against Tottenham earlier this year.

Paquetá, who joined the Hammers from Lyon for £36.5 million in August 2022, scored four goals in 33 Premier League appearances during the 2024–25 campaign. He also played a key role in helping West Ham win the Europa Conference League in his debut season.

Reports last summer suggested he was on the verge of an £85 million move to Manchester City before the FA’s investigation surfaced. Campbell indicated that there may be legal avenues to explore regarding the collapse of that potential transfer but said any decisions would await the release of the commission’s full written findings.

West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady welcomed the verdict, praising Paquetá’s professionalism throughout.
“It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family,” she said. “But he has handled it with great maturity, and we’re all relieved he can now put this chapter behind him.”

The FA said it is reviewing the commission’s findings and will issue further comment once the written reasons are available.

Details of the Matches Involved:

• West Ham 0–2 Leicester (12 Nov 2022): Paquetá was booked in the 60th minute for a challenge on Boubakary Soumaré.

• West Ham 1–1 Aston Villa (12 Mar 2023): Yellow card shown in the 70th minute for a challenge on John McGinn.

• West Ham 3–1 Leeds (21 May 2023): Cautioned for pulling back Crysencio Summerville at 1–1.

• West Ham 1–1 Bournemouth (12 Aug 2023): Booked for handball in stoppage time.

Betting Offences in English Football: A Wider Context

Under FA rules introduced in 2014, individuals involved in the top eight tiers of English football are prohibited from betting on any aspect of the sport globally.

Several high-profile players have been sanctioned under these regulations:

• Ivan Toney: Banned for eight months in 2023 after 232 breaches while at multiple clubs including Brentford.

• Sandro Tonali: Suspended for two months, suspended sentence, after admitting to betting shortly after joining Newcastle from AC Milan.

• Kieran Trippier: Received a 10-week ban in 2020 for providing inside information about his transfer.

• Harry Toffolo: Admitted to 375 breaches and was handed a suspended five-month ban in 2023.

• Joey Barton: Banned for 18 months in 2017 (reduced to 13) for over 1,200 football-related bets.

• Kynan Isaac: Banned for 10 years for his involvement in spot-fixing during an FA Cup match in 2021.

• Bradley Wood: Received a six-year suspension for intentionally getting booked during Lincoln City’s FA Cup run in 2016–17.