After nearly two years under the shadow of one of the most high-profile integrity investigations in recent English football history, Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations by the Football Association. The ruling, which concludes a prolonged legal battle, marks a significant — albeit bittersweet — moment in the Brazilian midfielder’s career.
The investigation centered around four yellow cards Paquetá received between 2022 and 2023, sparking concern over suspicious betting patterns traced back to his native Brazil. Initially flagged by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), the case drew attention due to bets placed on Paquetá to receive bookings — many originating from Paquetá Island, a small community off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
A Booking That Changed Everything
The saga began with a seemingly innocuous yellow card shown during a match against Leicester City in November 2022. While the foul raised no red flags at the time, it would become the catalyst for a two-year ordeal that saw Paquetá’s reputation, transfer prospects, and future in football cast into doubt.
The Football Association eventually charged the West Ham player in May 2024, citing alleged attempts to manipulate the game by intentionally drawing bookings. Had he been found guilty, Paquetá faced the possibility of a lifetime ban — a career-ending prospect.
The Human and Financial Cost
Beyond the threat of sanctions, the fallout has already been costly. A pending £85 million move to Manchester City was scrapped in 2023 after the investigation went public. West Ham, who would have banked a substantial transfer fee, now face the challenge of navigating his future with two years left on his contract and limited time left in the summer window. Reports indicate the club may seek legal recourse to recoup legal and opportunity costs, estimated at over £1 million.
Sources inside the club describe Paquetá’s professional demeanor as unwavering throughout the process, though those close to him say the emotional toll was significant. His visible distress after receiving another yellow card against Tottenham this past May — an incident that brought him to tears — offered a rare glimpse into the psychological strain of the ordeal.
Inside the Case
The FA’s case leaned heavily on bets placed — some as small as £7 — on Paquetá to be cautioned in select Premier League fixtures. However, the player’s legal team, led by Nick De Marco KC, successfully argued that the fouls in question were consistent with Paquetá’s aggressive playing style, not evidence of wrongdoing.
Support from former West Ham manager David Moyes proved crucial. Paquetá is said to have requested not to play in one of the matches under scrutiny due to concerns over jeopardizing his City transfer — a request Moyes reportedly supported in testimony.
In addition to presenting betting analytics, the defense showed disciplinary data from Paquetá’s entire professional career, noting that he routinely commits more fouls than teammates and has a high frequency of bookings — traits consistent with his playing history, not manipulation.
Implications and What Comes Next
Though the decision clears Paquetá of wrongdoing, the broader impact of the case extends beyond individual redemption. The FA’s investigation faced delays, difficulties in gathering international evidence, and has now prompted questions about the processes and communication during prolonged integrity probes. West Ham and Paquetá lost key opportunities due to the uncertainty, and a formal explanation from the FA — expected in a written commission report — will be scrutinized closely.
This episode also reopens discussions around player vulnerability, betting trends, and the responsibilities of clubs and governing bodies to safeguard both sporting integrity and individual rights.
As Paquetá resumes his career with West Ham, his exoneration offers a chance for renewal — but it also serves as a warning about the real-world consequences of suspicion in the age of sports betting.
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IMAGE: AP
