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An independent commission ruled there was no evidence the West Ham midfielder tried to influence matches.
West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of match-fixing allegations after a year-long investigation by the English Football Association (FA). The Brazilian midfielder had been accused of deliberately seeking yellow cards in four Premier League matches, but the independent commission found the charges unproven.
The decision lifts the threat of a playing ban and allows the 26-year-old to refocus on his career after months under scrutiny.
No evidence, no misconduct under Rule E5.1
The FA’s match-fixing case didn’t stand up to independent review.
The FA first brought charges against Paquetá in May 2024, alleging violations of Rule E5.1, a regulation that covers attempts to improperly affect the result or conduct of a match. The claims centred on four games between November 2022 and August 2023, in which Paquetá received yellow cards under what were described as “suspicious circumstances.”
However, after examining the FA’s evidence, the commission concluded that there was no basis to support the accusation. The ruling effectively shuts down the most serious component of the case.
Cooperation breach still stands
Paquetá may still face sanctions for not fully complying with the FA’s inquiry.
While cleared of match-fixing, Paquetá was found to have breached Rule F3, which requires full cooperation with FA investigations. The commission noted instances where the player did not engage transparently with the process.
The FA has confirmed that sanctions for this breach are pending, though they are expected to be minor compared to the consequences of a match-fixing verdict. The commission’s full written decision is still due, and the FA has reserved its right to appeal depending on the detail of the judgment.
Relief and gratitude as player speaks out
Paquetá took to social media to thank his supporters and express relief.
Following the announcement, Paquetá posted on Instagram, hinting at his emotional toll during the process:
“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 return to playing football with a smile on my face.”
The post was met with widespread support from teammates, fans, and officials at West Ham, where the midfielder has remained a key figure throughout the investigation.
West Ham praises Paquetá’s professionalism
Despite the off-pitch pressure, his on-pitch performance never dropped.
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady praised the midfielder’s resilience:
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the club, always giving everything.”
The Premier League side has publicly backed Paquetá throughout the case, choosing not to suspend him or limit his involvement with the first team during the inquiry.
What’s next: a clearer path for club and player
The verdict brings closure at a key time in West Ham’s pre-season planning.
The timing of the decision gives both Paquetá and West Ham clarity ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The midfielder can now move forward without the shadow of suspension or disciplinary action hanging over his head, an important outcome, both personally and professionally.
For the FA, the case will raise questions about evidentiary thresholds in disciplinary proceedings and the transparency of betting-related investigations. Once the commission’s written findings are published, all eyes will be on whether the governing body chooses to contest the outcome.
But for now, Paquetá walks away with his name cleared, and with West Ham’s full backing as he returns to the pitch.
Source: Focus Gaming News
