West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations by an independent regulatory commission, nearly two years after the Football Association (FA) began investigating the matter.
The FA launched its inquiry in August 2023, and in May 2024, the Brazil international was formally charged with deliberately receiving yellow cards to influence betting outcomes.
Had he been found guilty, the 27-year-old faced a possible lifetime ban from football.
The charges focused on four specific Premier League matches:
- Leicester City on 12 November 2022
- Aston Villa on 12 March 2023
- Leeds United on 21 May 2023
- Bournemouth on 12 August 2023
Following a formal hearing, the commission ruled that the spot-fixing charges were “not proven.”
However, Paquetá was also accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation, breaching FA Rule F3, which pertains to compliance with requests for information under FA Rule F2.
While Paquetá denied those charges as well, the commission found those breaches to be proven, and a separate sanction will be determined shortly.
In a statement, Paquetá responded:
“From day one, I have always maintained my innocence regarding these very serious accusations.
I can’t say more right now, but I’m deeply thankful to God and looking forward to returning to football with joy.”
He also expressed gratitude to his wife, West Ham United, the club’s supporters, and his legal and personal support teams.
“To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, the fans who always cheered me on, and to my family, friends, and legal team—thank you for everything.”
