Paqueta could sue FA after spot-fixing acquittal

 

Lucas Paquetá is weighing legal action against the Football Association after being cleared of four spot-fixing charges. The West Ham midfielder, 28, faced accusations of deliberately picking up yellow cards to influence betting markets. He was charged by the FA in May 2024 following a nine-month investigation that began in August 2023. However, an independent commission dismissed the case in July 2025, criticising the FA for presenting weak and flawed evidence.

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The written judgment, published this week, noted that the FA’s case rested entirely on circumstantial evidence. One of the most damaging points for the governing body was its reliance on testimony from its own betting integrity investigator, rather than an independent expert. The commission labelled this decision “an oddity” and “an obvious flaw”.

The FA linked 27 bettors to Paquetá but he acknowledged knowing only five, with minimal contact and no football discussions. Despite claims of “orchestrated” betting, the panel concluded the wagers were inconsistent with spot-fixing. They also highlighted the absence of any incriminating messages on Paquetá’s recovered phone data.

The collapsed case is thought to have cost Paquetá and West Ham tens of millions of pounds, including the failure of an £80m transfer to Manchester City in 2023.

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The 314-page ruling that cleared Lucas Paquetá is one of the most detailed sporting judgments ever produced. It examined everything from betting data to testimony from football experts and even conversations overheard in a salon in Brazil. Former West Ham manager David Moyes and ex-referee Mark Clattenburg both defended Paquetá, saying his yellow cards fell within the normal range of play. Clattenburg even suggested two of the bookings should not have been given at all.

The commission concluded there was nothing unusual in Paquetá’s conduct to suggest deliberate attempts to get booked. It also pointed out the FA’s inability to produce a single text or call linking him to betting or gambling discussions. More than 300 deleted messages were recovered from his phone but none had anything to do with the charges.

Paquetá’s lawyers say the case cost the player reputation, earnings, and a major career move. They are now “considering all options,” which could include suing the FA for damages. The commission itself noted that both the player and West Ham “reserve all of their rights” given the financial losses caused.

The FA has confirmed it will not appeal the decision but has declined to comment further on the fallout.