West Ham United star midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of his spot-fixing charges by the Football Association (FA), bringing an end to a nearly two-year investigation that threatened to derail his career.
The 27-year-old Brazilian, accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards to influence betting markets, faced a potential lifetime ban but can now look forward to continuing his professional journey with his reputation intact. The verdict marks a significant moment in what has been described as one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Premier League history.
The Allegations and Investigation
The saga began in August 2023 when the FA launched an investigation into suspicious betting patterns surrounding four yellow cards Lucas Paqueta received in Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023.
The games in question were against Leicester City (November 12, 2022), Aston Villa (March 12, 2023), Leeds United (May 21, 2023), and Bournemouth (August 12, 2023). The FA charged Paquetá in May 2024 with four counts of spot-fixing, alleging he intentionally sought bookings to manipulate betting outcomes for the benefit of friends and family, primarily through bets placed from Paqueta Island in Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, he faced two charges of obstructing the FA’s investigation.
Lucas Paqueta is under investigation for bets linked to a yellow card picked up on March 12th
— UKSoccerShop | Vintage Football Shirts (@uksoccershop) August 18, 2023
This is the foul which led to the card being received….. pic.twitter.com/jSaZwiXcaa
The allegations were severe, with the FA reportedly recommending a lifetime ban if Paqueta was found guilty, a punishment that would have ended his career at the elite level. The investigation was sparked by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), which flagged an unusual volume of bets on Paqueta’s bookings, particularly after the Aston Villa match.
Paqueta consistently denied the charges, stating in May 2024, “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”
The Verdict and Its Implications
Last week, reports emerged that Paqueta was expected to be cleared of all charges, with an official announcement anticipated within days. Sources close to the case confirmed that an independent regulatory commission had ruled in his favor, sparing him from a ban and potentially obligating the FA to cover his legal fees, estimated at £1 million.
The decision was a massive relief for Paqueta, who had endured significant emotional strain, notably breaking down in tears after receiving a yellow card against Tottenham in May 2025, a moment that underscored the toll the investigation had taken.
West Ham, who paid a club-record £51m to sign Paquetá from Lyon in 2022, now face decisions about his future. His contract runs until 2027, and the club is reportedly considering a renewal to protect his market value, which had been diminished by the allegations. Manager Graham Potter has expressed support for Paqueta, noting his love for playing at West Ham and his resilience despite the ongoing case.
The acquittal also opens the door for potential transfer interest, though West Ham are unlikely to recoup the £80m previously offered by Manchester City. The club may seek compensation from the FA for losses incurred due to the collapsed transfer and reputational damage, with estimates suggesting losses of up to £80m.
