The case against Lucas Paquetá ends with a whimper. The West Ham United midfielder has been fully cleared of violating gambling regulations.
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After two years under intense investigation, Lucas Paquetá has finally been cleared of all spot-fixing allegations brought against him by the English Football Association.
The Brazilian midfielder, currently playing for West Ham United, was accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards in four Premier League matches in order to benefit individuals who had placed bets on those specific events. The FA even considered the possibility of issuing a lifetime ban one of the harshest penalties in the sport but ultimately concluded that there was no concrete evidence to support the charges.
The case originated in 2023, when suspicious betting activity linked to yellow cards received by Paquetá triggered alerts among gambling regulators. These warnings led to a full-scale investigation by the FA, who suspected that Paquetá had intentionally manipulated moments in matches against Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Leeds United, and Leicester City to receive cautions. Such acts fall under the category of spot-fixing, where individual events in a match rather than the final result are allegedly fixed for gambling purposes.
Over the following months, the FA conducted a wide-ranging inquiry. This included gathering match footage, analyzing betting patterns, obtaining testimony from witnesses, and examining communications and digital records. Despite the depth and scope of the investigation, no evidence emerged to directly implicate Paquetá. There were no proven connections between the player and the bets in question, nor any signs of wrongdoing in his behavior or communication. As a result, the FA has formally closed the case and confirmed that no disciplinary action will be taken against him.
This exoneration not only clears Paquetá’s name but also opens the door for possible legal consequences for the FA. According to sources close to the case, the player’s legal defense has cost more than one million euros, and he may now seek to hold the FA financially accountable for those expenses. Legal experts suggest that a claim for damages could be justified, especially given the personal and professional impact the investigation had on the player’s career.
Indeed, the timing of the allegations had severe consequences. In the summer of 2023, Paquetá was on the verge of a blockbuster move to Manchester City. The Premier League champions were reportedly prepared to activate a release clause worth nearly one hundred million euros in his contract. However, once the investigation became public, City immediately backed away from the deal, unwilling to proceed with the uncertainty hanging over the player’s future. The opportunity was lost, and Paquetá remained at West Ham, forced to continue his career under the shadow of suspicion.
Despite this, Paquetá maintained his professionalism and continued to perform consistently for the Hammers. Speaking through the club’s official channels after the FA’s verdict, the midfielder said: “From day one of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence in the face of these extremely serious allegations. I can’t say anything more at this time.” His message was measured and brief, but conveyed relief after what has been a difficult and emotionally draining period.
West Ham United also offered a strong show of support for their player. Vice-chair Karren Brady publicly praised Paquetá’s attitude and commitment, stating: “Despite the enormous pressure, Lucas gave everything for the club week in, week out. He showed incredible character and professionalism. We’re delighted that he has been cleared and we look forward to seeing him continue to flourish in a West Ham shirt.”
With the investigation now closed, questions naturally turn to what lies ahead for Paquetá. He still has two years remaining on his current contract with West Ham, with the club holding an option to extend for a third. Whether he will see out that contract or once again become a transfer target for top clubs remains to be seen. It is unclear if Manchester City will renew their interest, though other European giants may now be considering a move for the talented midfielder, whose reputation has finally been restored.
The case has also sparked a wider debate within the footballing world about the processes and consequences of disciplinary investigations. While the FA is tasked with safeguarding the integrity of the sport, critics argue that cases of this nature particularly when publicized before charges are proven can cause irreversible damage to players’ careers and reputations. Paquetá’s ordeal, which lasted two years and prevented him from making a life-changing move, raises serious questions about how such investigations are handled, and whether greater safeguards should be in place to protect those who are ultimately found innocent.
In the end, Paquetá walks away without a ban and with his name cleared but not without scars. His journey over the past two years has been marked by stress, lost opportunities, and reputational damage, all stemming from an investigation that yielded no evidence. Now free from that burden, he can finally focus again on football, whether at West Ham or elsewhere, with the hope that the best years of his career are still to come.
Updated: 04:16, 31 Jul 2025
