Lucas Paqueta verdict confirmed as West Ham and FA release statements | OneFootball

Paqueta said he can now play “with a smile on my face” again

The result comes almost two years after the FA launched an independent investigation into the matter.

But a statement from the FA did also reveal that charges of breaches to its Rule F3 had been proven. This relates to allegations that Paqueta failed “to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information to The FA's investigation”.

For those proven breaches of compliance, English football's governing body insisted an “appropriate sanction” would be decided at the “earliest opportunity”.

The 27-year-old was facing a potential life ban from football if found guilty of the four charges.

In a statement, the Brazilian said he has “maintained [his] innocence against these extremely serious accusations” throughout the process.

An FA statement said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has found the misconduct charges against West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta for alleged breaches of FA Rule E5 to be not proven.

“Lucas Paqueta was charged with four alleged breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct during the club’s 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.

“It was alleged that Lucas Paqueta 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.“

Lucas Paqueta still faces “appropriate sanction” for failing to comply with investigation

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Lucas Paqueta denied the charges against him, and the Regulatory Commission found them to be not proven following a hearing.”

The statement continued: “The Regulatory Commission has found the misconduct charges against the player for alleged breaches of FA Rule F3 to be proven.

“Lucas Paqueta was charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in relation to alleged failures to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information to The FA's investigation. Lucas Paqueta denied the charges against him, but the Regulatory Commission found them to be proven following the hearing. The Regulatory Commission will decide an appropriate sanction for these breaches at the earliest opportunity.

“The FA awaits the Regulatory Commission’s written reasons in relation to its decisions on the charges, and will not be commenting further until that time.”

In a statement of his own, Paqueta continued to profess his innocence, which he did throughout the case while it was still ongoing.

“Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations,” Paqueta wrote. “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.”

A statement from West Ham confirmed he had been cleared of spot-fixing allegations but made no mention of his alleged failure to comply with the investigation’s request for cooperation and information.

“The club has stood by Lucas since the very start of a long and difficult process,” the West Ham statement read. “West Ham United will make no further comment at this time.”

The West Ham vice-chair, Karren Brady, also spoke on-record, writing in a statement of her own: “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’s future at West Ham is understood to be uncertain.

West Ham manager Graham Potter has made it clear to his recruitment team that he wants a midfield clearout this summer, and some at the club believe Paqueta could be one of the players who is sold before the window closes.

There is said to be interest from Saudi Arabia in the Brazilian, whose current deal runs until June 2027 with an option for a further year.

In August 2023, West Ham slapped an £85million value on Paqueta as he was pursued by Manchester City. Personal terms were agreed and an £80m move was close but was never completed after the emergence of suspicious betting patterns on his bookings, which prompted the FA investigation.