West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations by an independent regulatory commission, ending a two-year Football Association (FA) investigation that threatened to derail his career.
The 27-year-old Brazil international was facing four serious charges that could have led to a lifetime ban from football. The charges were related to alleged deliberate bookings in four Premier League matches: against Leicester City (12 November 2022), Aston Villa (12 March 2023), Leeds United (21 May 2023), and Bournemouth (12 August 2023). However, following a detailed hearing, the commission ruled that the charges were “not proven.”
The FA initially launched its investigation in August 2023, and by May 2024, Paquetá was formally charged. He was accused of intentionally getting booked to influence betting markets — a form of match manipulation known as spot-fixing.
Had the commission upheld the charges, Paquetá could have faced a lifetime suspension under FA rules. Instead, he now walks away vindicated on the core allegations. Nevertheless, the regulatory body did find him guilty on two lesser counts — failing to fully cooperate with the investigation — after he breached FA Rule F3, which governs the duty to provide information and documentation.
A sanction for those breaches is still pending.
In his first comments since the verdict, Paquetá said: “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.”
The Brazilian midfielder also thanked his wife Maria Fournier, West Ham United, supporters, and his legal team. His wife had previously described the ordeal as a “nightmare” on social media.
Paquetá’s lawyer, Alastair Campbell, said his client was “very emotional and very delighted,” describing the verdict as lifting “an enormous weight off his chest.” Campbell added that there may be legal implications surrounding a collapsed £85 million transfer to Manchester City in 2023, which fell through after the FA’s investigation became public. However, he said they would wait for the full written reasons before considering any legal action.
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady released a statement expressing relief, saying, “The club are pleased by the verdict and resolutely stood by Lucas throughout the process. It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout.”
The FA, meanwhile, stated it would not comment further until the commission’s written reasoning is made public.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the rising number of betting-related disciplinary cases in English football. Notably, England striker Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban in 2023 for 232 betting breaches, while Sandro Tonali of Newcastle received a suspended ban last year. Kynan Isaac and Bradley Wood are among players previously found guilty of spot-fixing, receiving bans of 10 and six years respectively.
Paquetá’s professional future now appears clearer. He played 33 Premier League matches for the Hammers in the 2024–25 season, scoring four goals. Since joining from Lyon in 2022 for £36.5 million, he has become a key figure in the team, helping West Ham win the Europa Conference League in his debut season.
Now cleared of the most serious allegations, Paquetá can begin rebuilding his career — though questions remain over whether Manchester City or other top clubs might once again pursue his signature.
For now, Paquetá — with the shadow of potential disgrace finally lifted — is free to focus on football.
