West Ham: Lucas Paqueta verdict leaves FA with a bloody nose and raises key questions | OneFootball

Paqueta cleared of four charges of spot-fixing after lengthy investigation

Paqueta was being investigated for allegations that he purposely got himself booked in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023 in order to intentionally influence betting markets.

While the four charges of spot-fixing could not be proven, an FA statement did reveal that an “appropriate sanction” was being sought after it was “proven” that Paqueta fell foul of FA Rule F3 by failing to comply fully with the investigation and provide answers and information.

Paqueta has avoided what would have likely been a lifetime ban from football if he had been found guilty of the spot-fixing charges.

The fact those charges could not be proven by an independent regulatory commission leaves the FA with a “bloody nose”, according to one leading sports barrister.

Yasin Patel of Church Court Chambers told Standard Sport: “With the FA gunning for a lifetime ban against [Paqueta], today's news will likely be an embarrassment for the governing body. The questions it raises are two-fold: did the FA misjudge the case and its importance, or is this another example of governing bodies being toothless against well-represented clients but bullying smaller ones?

“In bringing cases like this there are many things to consider - including international betting patterns, the forms of bets, the players disciplinary record, social media and phone records and personal finances.

“The FA will say that they had a duty to investigate. Others will say they were doing the bidding of betting giants - companies that watch every booking, make billions, and face none of the fallout. Either way, the FA are left with a bloody nose.”

Patel added: “For Paqueta, this verdict brings relief. However, the personal cost has been huge. Financially, the damage is also clear. Whatever his performances on the pitch, Paqueta certainly did not benefit commercially - with lost deals and missed opportunities. Whether he pursues compensation remains to be seen.

“In relation to the lesser charges of failing to cooperate with the FA's investigation and providing information and documents, this also comes as no surprise. Phones and emails hold deeply personal data. Governing bodies can demand disclosure but, outside of the alleged offence, the rest is none of their business. Many refuse full access, and Paqueta was no different in this sense.”