West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta could be handed a six-figure fine, despite being cleared of the most serious charges relating to betting breaches.
Paqueta has been under the spotlight for the last two years as he was been investigated over spot-fixing. The FA launched a probe back in August 2023 into allegations that Paqueta was involved in spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023.
Although Paqueta did not place any bets himself, it was alleged that friends and family in Brazil profited after betting on yellow cards for the midfielder. He denied the allegations and any wrongdoing and was cleared of charges of spot-fixing in July.
An independent commission found that the charges could not be proven, saving him from a potential lifetime ban from football.
However, lesser charges against the Brazilian were found to be proven.
Lucas Paqueta celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old was found to have failed to answer questions and failed to provide information to the FA’s investigation. He is now awaiting the outcome of those charges, with The Times reporting that the written reasons will be published this week.
The FA is reportedly hoping for a fine in the region of £150,000, which is roughly equivalent to just one week’s wages for Paqueta, who has been with West Ham since a £50million transfer from Lyon in the summer of 2022.
There is also the possibility that the FA could be forced to pay the legal costs of Paqueta, which could top £1m.
Reacting to the verdict in July, Paqueta said in a statement: “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, 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.”
