Lucas Paqueta 'to be slapped with six-figure fine' over FA misconduct charges - with 'guilty verdict set to conclude two-year spot-fixing probe'

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has seemingly avoided a ban from playing as he edges closer to learning his final fate on the back of accusations that he failed to co-operate with a two-year investigation into spot fixing - but will still face punishment.

Mail Sport broke the story of the FA's probe back in August 2023 when it was suspected that he had been purposefully picking up yellow cards in order to influence betting markets.

That led to Paqueta being charged in May 2024 with four counts of spot‑fixing – related to cautions shown in Premier League fixtures against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth – and a further two of obstructing an FA investigation. Paqueta has always denied any wrongdoing.

Alongside that charge sheet was believed to be a recommendation that he receive a life ban if found guilty.

It turned into one of the most high-profile corruption cases ever seen in English football. The Brazilian was ultimately cleared of the most serious charges in July, with a panel ruling that they were 'not proven'.

Two further breaches related to ‘alleged failures to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information’ were found to be proven.

Lucas Paqueta could be fined after being found to have failed to co-operate with the FA's investigation into spot fixing

It was one of the most high-profile corruption cases ever seen in English football but he has been cleared of the major charge

According to The Times, the FA are pushing for Paqueta to be handed a six-figure fine – in the region of £150,000. The figure would be roughly equivalent to Paqueta’s weekly wage.

He is believed to have followed advice of West Ham-appointed lawyers regarding answers and information he provided during the investigation.

When the news broke that he had been cleared, Paqueta said: 'Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations. 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.'

He also posted on social media: 'THE ENEMIES WILL COME AGAINST US BY ONE PATH, BUT BY SEVEN PATHS THEY WILL FLEE. A complete work, for the glory and honour of God.'

The FA released a statement saying: 'An independent Regulatory Commission has found the misconduct charges against West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta for alleged breaches of FA Rule E5 to be not proven.

'Lucas Paqueta was charged with four alleged breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct during the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.

'It was alleged that Lucas Paqueta directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.

Paqueta scored for Graham Potter's side against Nottingham Forest despite being linked with a move away

'Lucas Paqueta denied the charges against him, and the Regulatory Commission found them to be not proven following a hearing.'

They added: 'Lucas Paqueta was charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in relation to alleged failures to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information to The FA's investigation.

'Lucas Paqueta denied the charges against him, but the Regulatory Commission found them to be proven following the hearing. The Regulatory Commission will decide an appropriate sanction for these breaches at the earliest opportunity.'

Despite his occasional inconsistency, Paqueta is considered one of West Ham’s best players, as a special type of talent who can turn a game in their favour.

It was his assist for Jarrod Bowen which saw them beat Fiorentina in the Conference League final in Prague in June 2023, marking their first major trophy in 43 years.

His manager for that triumph was David Moyes, the now-Everton boss who Mail Sport revealed even acted as a witness in a significant section of his defence against the FA’s claims.

Sources close to Paqueta say it has been a tormenting time for him personally. The yellow he received against Leicester, on November 12, 2022, was nearly 1,000 days before the result of the hearing.

Manchester City pulled out of a bid to sign Paqueta following news of the investigation, but he was linked with a move to join Aston Villa this summer. He put those rumours to bed, though, with his celebration after scoring for West Ham against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

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