West Ham United soccer player Lucas Paqueta has been found innocent of allegations related to match-fixing following a thorough investigation that lasted two years.
Lucas Paquetá Cleared of Spot-Fixing Charges by FA
After a lengthy investigation and regulatory hearing, Brazilian soccer star Lucas Paqueta has been officially cleared of spot-fixing charges by the English Football Association (FA). The FA had accused Paqueta of deliberately receiving four yellow cards across various Premier League matches to influence betting markets, which could have resulted in a lifetime ban if proven.
The charges against Paqueta were unprecedented in English soccer. The allegations stemmed from unusual patterns around a yellow card he received during West Ham's draw at Bournemouth on August 12, 2023. The FA's probe expanded to include bookings he received in four additional games.
However, the independent regulatory commission appointed by the FA found the four spot-fixing allegations "not proven" and dismissed them entirely as of August 1, 2025. The commission determined that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims against Paqueta.
Although the spot-fixing charges were dismissed, Paqueta was found to have breached the FA’s rules related to failing to provide information when requested, though these breaches were considered minor compared to the serious spot-fixing claims. Paqueta consistently denied all wrongdoing throughout the process and did not place any bets himself.
Paqueta expressed relief and gratitude following the verdict. In a statement, he thanked God, his family, West Ham United, and supporters, emphasizing his eagerness to return to playing football with a positive mindset. He has since participated in West Ham's preseason activities and is available for selection in the upcoming Premier League season.
The scandal derailed a proposed transfer to Manchester City in the summer of 2023 for a rumored US$110 million. The legal ordeal reportedly cost West Ham and Paqueta close to £1 million (US$1.3 million) in fees.
Regarding investigations in Brazil, there are no publicly reported updates or charges linked to Paqueta’s case as of now. The focus and adjudication of the allegations have been primarily within the jurisdiction of the English FA.
In a separate investigation in Brazil, Brazilian prosecutors did not press charges against Tolentino or any family members. The Senate Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) in Brazil investigated allegations that Paqueta's uncle, Bruno Tolentino, and associates facilitated schemes involving payments to players to simulate bookings. The CPI's final report recommended criminal indictments against Tolentino and two businessmen for breach of sports fraud laws punishable with prison terms up to six years.
[1] BBC News, "Lucas Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing by FA," August 1, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59157821
[2] The Guardian, "Lucas Paqueta found not guilty of spot-fixing by FA," August 1, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/01/lucas-paqueta-found-not-guilty-of-spot-fixing-by-fa
[3] Sky Sports, "Lucas Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing by FA," August 1, 2025, https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11689/12381117/lucas-paqueta-cleared-of-spot-fixing-by-fa
[4] The Telegraph, "Lucas Paqueta escapes FA's spot-fixing ban," August 1, 2025, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/08/01/lucas-paqueta-escapes-fas-spot-fixing-ban/
[5] The Athletic, "Lucas Paqueta found not guilty of spot-fixing by FA," August 1, 2025, https://theathletic.com/2656171/2025/08/01/lucas-paqueta-found-not-guilty-of-spot-fixing-by-fa/
- The betting investigation on Lucas Paqueta, centered around spot-fixing allegations, was concluded by the English Football Association (FA), following a long regulatory hearing.
- Paqueta, a footballer for West Ham United, was accused of deliberately earning four yellow cards across multiple Premier League matches to impact betting markets, a charge that could potentially lead to a lifetime ban.
- The independent regulatory commission of the FA ultimately determined that the four spot-fixing allegations were "not proven", and they were entirely dismissed.
- Despite being found to have breached FA rules related to divulging information, the commission considered the breaches minor compared to the serious spot-fixing claims.
- After being cleared of spot-fixing charges, Lucas Paqueta expressed his relief and gratitude, and stated his eagerness to get back to playing football with a positive mindset, participating in West Ham's preseason activities and being available for the upcoming Premier League season.
