West Ham and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá has avoided punishment for match-fixing after the Football Association’s (FA) independent regulatory commission failed to prove the charges.
In May 2024, Paquetá was charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1, with the FA alleging he purposely collected four bookings on Premier League matches while playing for West Ham between November 2022 and August 2023.
Rule E5.1 states: “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.”
Paquetá, who has played 55 times for his national side Brazil, has consistently denied purposely gaining bookings to affect the betting market.
The FA has now said it’s not been able to prove the match-fixing charges against Paquetá, who was reportedly facing a lifetime ban if found guilty.
The association now awaits written reasons from the regulatory commission on its decision.
Paquetá thanks his team and his family for their support
In an Instagram post, Paquetá thanked his family and legal team, as well as West Ham, for their support during the investigation.
“I can’t say anything more now, but I also can’t express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face,” Paquetá said.
Although he avoided punishment for match-fixing, the FA did find Paquetá guilty of two breaches of FA Rule F3, for failing to comply with the obligation to answer questions and provide information for the investigation.
The regulatory commission will decide on the appropriate sanction for those charges at “the earliest opportunity”, it said.
What next for Paquetá?
West Ham is reportedly furious with the impact this investigation has had on both the team and Paquetá.
In a statement following the FA’s announcement, West Ham vice-chair Karen Brady welcomed the decision and praised Paquetá for his conduct during the process.
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the club, always giving everything,” Brady said.
“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.”
Just hours before the announcement, Paquetá scored in West Ham’s 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over fellow Premier League side Everton.
After an investigation lasting almost two years, football star Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of match-fixing charges.