Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
West Ham’s Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing

Regulatory commission found four charges ‘not proven’ following hearing

West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta during the Premier League match at London Stadium, London, May 18, 2025

LUCAS PAQUETA has been cleared of misconduct charges related to alleged breaches of FA betting rules, his club West Ham announced today.

The Brazilian was charged with four alleged breaches of FA Rule E5.1 by the FA in May 2024 in relation to matches involving West Ham.

It was alleged Paqueta directly sought to influence 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.

He denied the charges and an independent regulatory commission found the charges not proven following a hearing. The FA said two charges against Paqueta related to a failure to co-operate with its investigation had been found proven.

The FA said a commission would decide on an appropriate sanction for those proven breaches “at the earliest opportunity.”

The games Paqueta had allegedly sought to influence were the Hammers’ Premier League matches against Leicester on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds on May 21, 2023 and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.

Paqueta said in quotes released via the club: “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.”

West Ham 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.”

Alastair Campbell, a partner at the law firm Level and the head of Paqueta’s legal team, said: “Few cases carry the gravity of this one – professionally, personally and emotionally for our client.

“Lucas has faced down immense pressure with remarkable strength and resilience.

“Level is delighted that we’ve been able to help demonstrate that Lucas’ integrity as a player and a person is in no doubt.

“Now, he can finally get back to focusing on the things that matter most to him – playing football and being with his family.”

The FA said it was awaiting the written reasons from the independent commission in relation to its decision on the charges, and would not be commenting further until that time.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Women’s rugby union / 1 August 2025
1 August 2025
England's Gus Atkinson (centre right) celebrates the wicket of India's Washington Sundar (left) with Ollie Pope (right) on day two of the Fifth Rothesay Men's Test at the Kia Oval, London, August 1, 2025
Men’s cricket / 1 August 2025
1 August 2025

Tensions simmer and wickets tumble on gripping second day at the Oval

Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit pushes away Argentina's Guido Petti Pagadizabal, right, during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match between Wales and Argentina at the Stade de Marseille in Marseille, October 14, 2023
Men’s rugby union / 1 August 2025
1 August 2025
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the sprint qualification ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack in Spa, Belgium, July 25, 2025
Formula One / 31 July 2025
31 July 2025
Similar stories
Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp (right) with match referee David Coote (centre) after the final whistle during the Premier League match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, July 11, 2020
Men’s football / 17 June 2025
17 June 2025
David Coote, December 22, 2022
Men’s football / 27 November 2024
27 November 2024