Lucas Paqueta, West Ham
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Sat 2 August 2025 12:10, UK
Lucas Paqueta’s lawyer has issued a statement after the midfielder was cleared of spot-fixing charges alleged almost two years ago.
The 27-year-old was accused of getting booked in Premier League games on purpose, with bets traced back to his home in Brazil.
The charges were heard by the FA in a hearing starting in March this year, with Paqueta potentially facing a lifetime ban from football if found guilty.
But the Brazilian has always maintained his innocence, and in a club statement on Thursday, West Ham confirmed that an independent regulatory commission had cleared him of the charges.
Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta has been cleared of betting charges (Credit: Imago)
Paqueta’s lawyer ‘over the moon’
Paqueta had been set to leave West Ham in 2023, with an £80million deal that would have seen the midfielder move to Manchester City close to completion.
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But an announcement of the FA’s investigation scuppered the move. As a result, the midfielder was left in limbo over his future.
The two years following have seen Paqueta’s form worsen, with the midfielder suffering mentally and physically from the investigation, Graham Potter said in May.
Lucas Paqueta Premier League (2024/25)
Appearances 33
Goals 4
Assists 0
Paqueta’s form has suffered
With the accusations now behind him, the Brazilian may once again look to move on, with Flamengo reportedly interested in reuniting with their former academy player.
Daniel Lowen, who was among the legal team at law firm Level who represented Paqueta, took to LinkedIn (1 August) to celebrate the result.
He said, “I’m over the moon for our client, Lucas Paquetá. Facing the prospect of a lifetime ban from football if found guilty of the spot-fixing charges brought against him, the past two years have been horrendously tough for Lucas.
“His strength of character and resolute determination to clear his name have been incredible to see.
“Together, we’ve been determined from the outset to help Lucas defeat these spot-fixing allegations. Today has been a long time coming… but we’re all genuinely delighted to have successfully cleared Lucas’ name.”
Graham Potter sitting
Potter will hope to keep hold of Paqueta (Credit: Imago)
West Ham should keep Paqueta
West Ham are reportedly open to selling Paqueta for the right price, with a significant fee sure to aid in the pursuit of any additional targets.
However, the Hammers would do well to remember the incredible impact the Brazilian had upon his arrival in East London.
It was his assist that won West Ham their first major piece of silverware in 43 years, and the Brazilian looked as if he could become legendary in Claret and Blue.
Therefore, with the FA’s charges now off his back, Paqueta may well rediscover that form. Finding a player to replace the quality of the midfielder in full flight will not be easy.
As a result, West Ham should keep hold of Paqueta this summer.
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