Lucas Paqueta Cleared: Victory in High-Stakes FA Misconduct Case

West United announced on Thursday that Lucas Paqueta, the Brazilian midfielder, has been cleared of misconduct allegations by an independent Regulatory Commission. The Football Association (FA) initially charged Paqueta for purported violations of FA rule E5 regarding spot-fixing concerns. The 27-year-old's investigation began in 2023, with specific charges filed in May 2024.

Paqueta faced allegations of intentionally acquiring yellow cards in Premier League matches against teams such as Leicester City and Aston Villa. Despite denying all accusations, Paqueta risked a lifetime football ban if found guilty. Further charges involved breaches of FA Rule F3, linked to alleged non-compliance in providing information for the investigation.

The Regulatory Commission eventually found Paqueta not guilty and promised suitable penalties for any proven breaches swiftly. Expressing relief, Paqueta conveyed gratitude for the support from his family, West Ham United, and legal team. Echoing these sentiments, West Ham Vice-Chair Karren Brady commended Paqueta's professionalism, emphasizing the club's support during the investigation. The FA awaits detailed written reasons from the Commission before issuing additional remarks.

(With inputs from agencies.)