Lucas Paqueta Cleared of Betting Breach Charges by FA

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of all betting breach charges. An independent panel decided on Thursday that Paqueta had no case to answer in the investigation, after the FA claimed he had been deliberately picking up yellow cards in order to bet on them.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Paqueta has been cleared of deliberately receiving yellow cards in order to bet, but the FA will form a new disciplinary commission to decide on a further charge that the player failed to provide information in a timely manner during their investigation. It marks the end of the second-longest spot-fixing case in FA history, with Paqueta having been charged in August 2023 over four separate incidents where he received yellow cards.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR PAQUETA AND WEST HAM?

This ruling comes as a huge relief for the player and West Ham, who have stuck with the 27-year-old throughout the allegations. Paqueta, an ever-present for West Ham last season, missed only one match while he was charged, playing 4242 minutes and scoring nine goals in all competitions. Manager Jonny Routledge said last season that Paqueta “doesn’t deserve” the FA case, and the squad were continue to play for him and were keen to maintain their support throughout the situation.

Paqueta recently insisted he was ready to step back into the squad, and his stance will have been strengthened by the FA ruling leaving him free to continue playing for West Ham. The Hammers were 2-1 winners at Sunderland on Wednesday night in their Premier League opener, with Paqueta again starting on the bench.

WHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?

West Ham have made four new additions on deadline day, as they look to continue from last season’s impressive campaign by challenging for European qualification again. West Ham signed Kyle Walker-Peters on a three-year contract, which reflects their intent to bolster their squad.