Lucas Paqueta still faces FA punishment despite West Ham midfielder being cleared of betting charges

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of spot-fixing charges by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

The Brazil international was first investigated for the alleged offences in the summer of 2023, before being charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in May 2024.

Paqueta was accused of deliberately trying to get himself booked in order to influence the betting market for either his own profit or the profit of another person - offences that could have warranted a lifetime ban - but the former Lyon man vehemently denied the charges from the get-go.

Following reports that the midfielder would be cleared of the most serious offences, the independent commission have indeed found him not guilty, although two breaches of FA Rule F3 have been proven.

Paqueta was accused of failing to comply with FA Rule F2, specifically not answering questions and/or providing information to assist the FA with their investigation as he is obliged to do, and a decision on his punishment for those breaches will be decided in the near future.

Paqueta releases statement after being cleared of betting breaches

"Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations," Paqueta said in a statement on the official West Ham website.

"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 United, 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."

Irons vice-chair Karren Brady added: “We are pleased Lucas has been cleared. He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and as a Club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process.

"Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the Club, always giving everything.

"It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham United."

Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing charges: What happens now?

As West Ham stood by Paqueta's side throughout the two-year case, nothing much has changed in regards to the midfielder's playing situation, at least for the time being.

The 2022-23 Conference League winners are understood to be open to selling the 27-year-old for a reduced fee this summer, not long after Manchester City were apparently quoted £80m to sign him.

Paqueta has been told that the ship has sailed with regard to a move to the Etihad Stadium, but his former team Flamengo are supposedly showing interest in a summer reunion.

The South American has now entered the final two years of his contract at the London Stadium, where he has produced 18 goals and 14 assists in 120 appearances for West Ham in all competitions since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2022.