West Ham star Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission following the conclusion of a two-year investigation by the FA.
The midfielder had been charged with four counts of being booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.
The Brazilian faced a lifetime ban from the sport should he have been found guilty.
The FA’s charge sheet last year read: “Lucas Paquetá 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 faced a lifetime ban from football if he was found guilty
| GETTYThe matches in question were in West Ham’s Premier League fixtures during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, against Leicester on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds on May 21, 2023 and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
Paquetá maintained his innocence throughout the case, and released an emotional statement on social media after the verdict.
He said: “Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.
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The Brazilian had been accused of being booked deliberately against Leeds in May 2023
|Getty
"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."
The accusations are thought to be a large reason behind why the Brazilian’s proposed mega-money move to Manchester City in 2023 fell through, though he has continued to play for West Ham and Brazil since.
West Ham’s vice-chair, Karren Brady, said: “We are pleased Lucas has been cleared. He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and as a club, we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process.
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the Club, always giving everything.
“It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham United.”
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The midfielder had an outstanding debut campaign at the London Stadium, helping David Moyes’ West Ham to Conference League glory - a night that will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in the club’s history.
This season, however, Paquetá, along with the Hammers, have struggled for form, with the flamboyant midfielder scoring just four goals and has seen his performances dip dramatically, most likely in connection with the recent charges.
Paquetá joined the Hammers from French side Lyon in an initial £36.5million deal in the summer of 2022.
With Manchester City seemingly moving onto alternative midfield options with the speculation surrounding Paquetá, if he were to move away from the London Stadium, options would seem somewhat limited.
Saudi Pro League clubs and former employers Flamengo, who have already brought in former Premier League stars Jorginho and Emerson Royal, are said to be interested.