West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of all four alleged breaches of the Football Association’s (FA) betting regulations, following a hearing before an independent Regulatory Commission.
The 27-year-old Brazilian was accused of deliberately seeking yellow cards in four Premier League matches — against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth — between November 2022 and August 2023.
The FA claimed that Paqueta had attempted to influence the course of those matches to manipulate the betting market for others’ gain.
In a statement on Thursday, the FA confirmed that the charges were “not proven” by the Commission.
“Paqueta denied the charges against him, and a Regulatory Commission found them to be not proven following a hearing,” the statement read.
Paqueta, who faced the possibility of a lifetime ban if found guilty, responded with relief and gratitude.
“Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.”
“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, 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,” he said in a statement.
While the primary charges have been dismissed, the FA said Paqueta still faces two counts of allegedly failing to fully cooperate with the investigation, including failing to answer questions and provide requested information.
The FA began its investigation in August 2023. In October of the same year, Paqueta called for an inquiry into leaks from the investigation that found their way into the media.
West Ham United, who endured a disappointing 14th-place finish last season, expressed strong support for the midfielder.
“We are pleased Lucas has been cleared… 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,” said West Ham Vice-Chair Karren Brady.
West Ham will begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Sunderland on August 16.
