Lucas Paquetá Cleared of Match-Fixing Allegations After Lengthy Investigation
In a significant turn of events, Lucas Paquetá, the West Ham and Brazilian midfielder, has been exonerated from match-fixing allegations after an extensive two-year inquiry by the Football Association (FA).
The FA’s independent regulatory commission concluded that they could not substantiate claims against Paquetá, who faced charges of intentionally accumulating bookings during Premier League matches from November 2022 to August 2023. These allegations stemmed from breaches of FA Rule E5.1, which prohibits participants from seeking to improperly influence any aspect of a football match.
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Paquetá has steadfastly maintained his innocence, asserting that he did not manipulate his on-field conduct to sway betting outcomes. The FA’s inability to prove these charges meant that the midfielder averted severe consequences that could have included a lifetime ban.
In his statement on Instagram, Paquetá expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his family, legal team, and West Ham for their unwavering support throughout this challenging period. Reflecting on the ordeal, he mentioned his eagerness to return to the pitch, emphasizing his desire to play joyfully once more.
While Paquetá has been cleared of match-fixing claims, the FA did find him guilty of two infringements under FA Rule F3, which pertains to the obligation of cooperation in investigations. The regulatory commission is expected to deliver its decision regarding the appropriate penalties for these breaches soon.
The implications of this investigation have left West Ham frustrated, as the club has been impacted both on and off the field. In a statement, vice-chair Karen Brady praised Paquetá for his professionalism amidst the scrutiny, indicating that he has consistently performed at a high level in spite of the pressures.
The announcement of Paquetá’s clearance came just hours after he scored in a friendly match against Everton, signaling his determination to move forward from this chapter. With the investigation behind him, Paquetá and West Ham are looking ahead, focusing on a successful season and returning to normalcy.