West Ham star Lucas Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing charges as two-year saga finally ends

Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of misconduct charges, West Ham have confirmed.

The Hammers midfielder had been under investigation by the FA.

Paqueta was accused of deliberately getting himself booked in four separate Premier League matches.

As a result, the Brazilian faced a lengthy ban from football if found guilty.

However, Paqueta has been cleared by an independent regulatory commission.

Paqueta 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.”

His legal fees, thought to be as much as £1million, could now be covered by the FA.

The FA charged the 27-year-old in May last year relating to yellow cards received against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

As a result, Manchester City pulled out of a potential move for Paqueta, despite triggering his £85million release clause.

Paqueta had always pdenied any wrongdoing in relation to the charges.

West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady said: “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.”

Paqueta joined the Hammers in the summer of 2022 from French side Lyon.

He has since made 120 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals and providing 14 assists.

The former AC Milan star was also part of their side which won the Conference League in 2023.

Paqueta has two years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium with the option of a further year.

Lucas Paqueta’s betting charges

Paqueta had been charged with deliberately getting himself booked on four occasions in Premier League matches.

The first related to a yellow card for a lunge on Leicester’s Boubakary Soumare in November 2022.

Another caution followed after a late challenge on John McGinn during a clash with Villa four months later.

In May 2023, Paqueta was booked in the 65th minute of a win over Leeds for fouling Crysencio Summerville.

The final yellow card related to the charges was for a handball against Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the 2023/24 season.