West Ham United star Lucas Paquetá has escaped punishment over allegations of spot-fixing and refusing to co-operate with an investigation by the FA.
The 27-year-old Brazilian had been charged with six offences in May 2024, although he denied all such claims.
The midfielder was initially charged with four offences related to FA Rule E5, which states that: “A participant shall not, directly or indirectly, seek to influence for an improper purpose the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with, a football match or competition.”
The former AC Milan player has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 which relates to “alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2”.
FA Rule F2 allows the FA to require individuals to answer questions and give information, provide documents or deliver information that an individual does not hold but is able to obtain.
The governing body has confirmed that an independent Regulatory Commission has found the charges against Paquetá relating to FA Rule E5 to be not proven following a hearing.
Although he was cleared of the four offences relating to FA Rule E5, the Regulatory Commission found Paquetá’s charges relating to FA Rule F3 to be proven.
An FA statement said: “The Regulatory Commission will decide an appropriate sanction for these breaches at the earliest opportunity. The FA awaits the Regulatory Commission’s written reasons in relation to its decisions on the charges, and will not be commenting further until that time.”
Paquetá received four yellow cards across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Premier League seasons, having joined the Hammers in the summer of 2022 from Lyon.
The allegations related to games against Leicester City on 12 November 2022, Aston Villa on 12 March 2023, Leeds United on 21 May 2023, and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
It is alleged the midfielder “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”.
According to media reports, the investigation was triggered after suspicious betting patterns were detected following Paquetá receiving a yellow card in injury time of the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
A flurry of unusual bets were reportedly tracked to Paquetá Island in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – the small island from which the player hails.
Paquetá’s real name is Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima.
In a statement released on West Ham’s website, 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.
“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.”
While he was charged in May 2024, Paquetá’s hearing only commenced in March of this year, before concluding at the start of June.
There were fears that he could have been banned from the sport for life.
West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady added: “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.”
The post West Ham star Lucas Paquetá cleared of betting breaches following FA investigation first appeared on EGR Intel.
Brazilian midfielder had been charged with six offences by the governing body in May 2024, sparking fears he could face a lifetime ban from the sport
The post West Ham star Lucas Paquetá cleared of betting breaches following FA investigation first appeared on EGR Intel.