FA Verdict Looms in Lucas Paquetá Spot-Fixing Case
Lucas Paquetá’s long-running disciplinary case has reached a conclusion, but the West Ham United midfielder may have to wait up to two more months before learning whether he will face a lifetime ban from football. The Football Association has accused him of deliberately receiving yellow cards to manipulate betting outcomes.
Verdict Expected Within Eight Weeks
An independent FA commission concluded the hearing into Paquetá’s case in May, but the final decision is not expected for another four to eight weeks. The Brazil international was charged in May 2024 with four counts of intentionally receiving bookings to influence betting markets and two counts of failing to cooperate with the FA’s investigation.
The delays in the disciplinary process have already had major consequences for the player. An £80 million transfer to Manchester City collapsed two years ago when the FA launched its investigation, prompted by irregular betting patterns linked to yellow cards Paquetá received in four Premier League matches.
The disciplinary hearing, initially opened in March 2024, was paused after three weeks due to scheduling conflicts among legal representatives. It only resumed last month. The delays have become a source of frustration for both Paquetá and West Ham, especially with another transfer window now underway.
Head coach Graham Potter remains uncertain whether the midfielder will be part of his squad next season, as the unresolved case continues to overshadow squad planning. The club has voiced dissatisfaction with the process dragging into a second summer transfer window.
The FA’s charges are severe. According to the official charge sheet, Paquetá is accused of having “directly sought to influence … matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee, for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.” If found guilty, the recommended sanction includes a lifetime ban from professional football.
Unlike in criminal trials, the commission can reach a verdict based on “the balance of probabilities,” rather than proving guilt “beyond reasonable doubt.” This lower threshold has caused concern within West Ham, even among those confident in Paquetá’s defense.
Player Maintains Innocence
Paquetá has denied any wrongdoing and insists he has fully cooperated with the investigation. In a public statement issued when the charges were announced, he said:
“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name.”
The midfielder has reportedly received strong internal support from West Ham throughout the case. Sources familiar with the proceedings said the hearing “has gone well from Paquetá’s point of view,” but the outcome remains uncertain.
The Football Association has declined to comment publicly on the ongoing proceedings.