Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing charges, attracting interest from other clubs | OneFootball

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of misconduct charges by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

The Football Association said that Paqueta had allegedly “directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these 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.”

The investigation began in August 2023 but the charges brought forward by the FA were not proven.

If he had been found guilty of spot-fixing the 27-year-old could possibly have been looking at a lifetime ban from the sport.

The four alleged breaches were alleged to have taken place in Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.

Paqueta released a statement after he was cleared: “Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.

“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 retur 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’s 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.”

Interest in Paqueta

Paqueta joined West Ham in 2022 for £51m and helped them to win the Conference League title in 2023.

His former club Flamengo have interest in re-signing the midfielder, but the Hammers are reluctant to let the 27-year-old leave this summer and a deal for the Brazilian club would prove difficult at present.

He is under contract with the club until 2027, with the option to extend his stay by a further year too.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also believed to be keen on the midfielder.