Free at last - West Ham star Lucas Paquetá cleared of match-fixing charges

The England FA were investigating a betting breach that was committed by West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá.

The investigation began in August 2023, and in May 2024, the Brazilian international was formally charged with deliberately receiving a yellow card "for the improper purpose of influencing the betting market." Paquetá faced a potential lifetime ban if found guilty.

The allegations are related to four matches: against Leicester on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds on May 21, 2023 and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.

According to reports from Sportal, the regulatory commission deemed these charges proven and will subsequently decide on the appropriate sanction.

“From the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.

"I can't say much more at this point, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to football with a smile on my face.

"To my wife, who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, to the fans who always encouraged me, and to the family, friends, and legal team who supported me - thank you for everything,” said Paquetá following the decision.

This case prevented Paquetá's proposed transfer to Manchester City in the summer of 2023, which kept in at West Ham.