Lucas Paqueta faces 'six-figure fine' despite being cleared of spot-fixing charges

Lucas Paqueta could be handed a six-figure fine, despite being cleared of the most serious charges relating to betting breaches. After a two-year investigation, the West Ham midfielder was cleared of spot-fixing over the summer, yet he is not out of the woods.

The FA launched a probe back in August 2023 into allegations that Paqueta was involved in spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023.

Although Paqueta did not place any bets himself, it was alleged that friends and family in Brazil profited after betting on yellow cards for the midfielder. He denied the allegations and any wrongdoing and was cleared of charges of spot-fixing in July.

An independent commission found that the charges could not be proven, saving him from a potential lifetime ban from football. However, lesser charges against the Brazilian were found to be proven.

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The 28-year-old was found to have failed to answer questions and failed to provide information to the FA’s investigation. He is now awaiting the outcome of those charges, with The Times reporting that the written reasons will be published this week.

The FA is reportedly hoping for a fine in the region of £150,000, which is roughly equivalent to just one week’s wages for Paqueta, who has been with West Ham since a £50million transfer from Lyon in the summer of 2022.

There is also the possibility that the FA could be forced to pay the legal costs of Paqueta, which could top £1m.

Reacting to the verdict in July, Paqueta said in a statement: “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, 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.”

West Ham were furious with how long the investigation took to conclude, with Paqueta and his family deeply affected by it dragging on. The attacking midfielder was in tears after picking up a booking in a Premier League match against Tottenham in May, with the incident triggering emotions.

His wife Duda defended him after that incident, writing on Instagram : “My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me. We've been living this nightmare for two years, and he's ALWAYS strong... he's always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place!”

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