Lucas Paqueta, the Brazilian international and midfield star of West Ham United, is reportedly on the verge of being cleared in the long-standing FA investigation into spot-fixing allegations. The Football Association (FA) had accused Paqueta of deliberately collecting yellow cards during several Premier League fixtures in a scandal that threatened to derail his career and cost him a major transfer.
Now, after nearly two years of scrutiny, it appears that an independent regulatory commission has ruled in favor of the 27-year-old midfielder. An official announcement is expected within the coming days, potentially putting an end to what Paqueta and his supporters have described as a prolonged nightmare.
Key Details
- Full Name: Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima (Lucas Paquetá)
- Club: West Ham United
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 27
- Position: Midfielder
- Investigation Launched: August 2023
- Charges Announced: May 2024
- Alleged Matches Involved: vs Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Bournemouth
- Transfer Impact: £85m move to Manchester City collapsed
- Regulatory Hearing Date: March 17, 2025
- Verdict Expected: Late July 2025
- Potential Penalty: Multi-year ban from all football activities
- Outcome (Expected): Cleared of all spot-fixing allegations
- Legal Fees: FA may pay up to £1 million in Paquetá’s legal costs
The FA formally charged Lucas Paqueta in May 2024 with four counts of intentionally receiving yellow cards in Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023. The matches under investigation were against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth. The FA believed the bookings were tied to suspicious betting patterns traced back to Paqueta Island in Brazil—Paqueta’s birthplace.
Importantly, the FA never alleged that Lucas Paqueta placed bets himself or profited directly. However, they argued that friends or family may have benefited financially, citing approximately 60 bets on his yellow cards—including one for as much as £400. The suspicion triggered a full-scale regulatory investigation that included match footage, player interviews, and phone records.
Career in Limbo Amid FA Probe
At the time the investigation began, Lucas Paqueta was on the brink of securing a massive £85 million transfer to Manchester City. West Ham reportedly informed City of the investigation before the deal could be finalized. As a result, the move collapsed, and interest from other top clubs cooled due to the uncertainty surrounding his status.
Paqueta has since played on under a cloud of suspicion. Despite the looming charges, West Ham United stood by the Brazilian midfielder, who continued to assert his innocence. In his own words:
“I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”
The FA had also charged Paqueta with failing to fully cooperate with the investigation. However, he consistently claimed that he had been transparent and had nothing to hide. His legal team argued that the FA’s evidence was circumstantial and based largely on betting activity over which the player had no control.
Timeline of Key Moments
- November 2022: Paqueta receives yellow card vs Leicester (suspicious foul)
- March 2023: Booking vs Aston Villa after harsh tackle on McGinn
- May 2023: Tactical foul vs Leeds United raises eyebrows
- August 2023: Booking in stoppage time vs Bournemouth coincides with suspicious bets
- August 2023: FA launches formal investigation
- May 2024: Charges announced by FA
- March 2025: Regulatory hearing begins
- July 2025: Verdict expected – Paqueta likely to be cleared
What’s Next for Lucas Paqueta?
If cleared as expected, Paqueta may finally be able to move past the scandal. The resolution could reignite interest from Europe’s elite clubs, particularly Manchester City, who had initially shown strong intent to activate his release clause.
The case has also raised questions about how governing bodies handle allegations tied to betting integrity. Should Paqueta be fully exonerated, the FA may face pressure to compensate the player for the reputational damage and legal expenses, which could exceed £1 million.
The Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing case has cast a spotlight on betting-related scandals in football. While betting markets have long included odds on yellow cards, this case demonstrates how closely players are now being monitored for any unusual patterns. It also underlines the need for fairness and due process in investigations of this nature.
Despite facing the possibility of a multi-year global ban, Paqueta maintained his performance level for West Ham throughout the process. His composure under pressure has earned him respect from fans and pundits alike.
FAQs
Q1. What was Lucas Paqueta accused of?
He was accused of deliberately earning yellow cards in four Premier League matches to influence betting outcomes.
Q2. Did Lucas Paqueta place any bets himself?
No, the FA did not allege that he placed bets or profited directly.
Q3. Will he be cleared?
Yes, reports indicate that the independent regulatory panel has ruled in Paqueta’s favor, with an official announcement expected soon.
Q4. What impact did the case have on his career?
It delayed a potential £85 million transfer to Manchester City and placed his reputation under scrutiny for nearly two years.
Q5. Could the FA face consequences?
Yes, they may be required to pay up to £1 million in legal costs if Paqueta is cleared.