مدير عام كرة القدم
- Paqueta hit with spot-fixing charges
- West Ham star protested his innocence
- Brazilian partially cleared but faces uncertain future
The FA began their investigation into the Brazilian in August 2023 and in May 2024, the West Ham star was charged for allegedly receiving yellow cards deliberately for the “improper purpose of affecting the betting market”. Now, however, the FA have confirmed the misconduct charges against him have “not been proven”.
Paqueta was facing the prospect of a lifetime ban over the four counts of spot-fixing, concerning bookings against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds متحد، و Bournemouth in the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. The 27-year-old, who was also charged with two counts of obstructing an FA investigation, has now been cleared by an independent regulatory commission and is free to continue his playing career. But his West Ham future is up in the air.
Paqueta expressed his relief at the verdict and his eagerness to play football again with a “smile on my face”.
He told the club website: “Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations. 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.”
The club’s Vice-Chair Karren Brady added: “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.”
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Although Paqueta has been cleared of breaching the FA’s E5 rule, the former مانشستر سيتي target appears set to receive a punishment for breaking the F3 rule.
The FA said: “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.”
