Premier League star cleared of spot-fixing

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of spot-fixing following an investigation by the Football Association.

Paqueta, 27, was charged with four alleged breaches involving Premier League fixtures between November 2022 and August 2023. The Brazil international, who had been under investigation since August 2023, denied attempting to influence matches "by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market".

An independent regulatory commission found the charges not proven following a hearing. The FA said two charges against Paqueta, which the player denied, related to a failure to co-operate with its investigation had been found proven.

An FA statement said: "The commission will decide an appropriate sanction for these breaches at the earliest opportunity." In May 2024, Paqueta was charged with spot-fixing at four Premier League matches - against Leicester City in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds United in May 2023 and Bournemouth in August 2023. Responding to the FA decision in a post on Instagram, 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...

thank you for everything." West Ham's vice-chair Karren Brady said: "We're 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." Alastair Campbell, a partner at the law firm Level and the head of Paqueta's legal team, said: "Few cases carry the gravity of this one - professionally, personally and emotionally for our client.

"Lucas has faced down immense pressure with remarkable strength and resilience. "Level is delighted that we've been able to help demonstrate that Lucas' integrity as a player and a person is in no doubt.

"Now, he can finally get back to focusing on the things that matter most to him - playing football and being with his family." The FA said it was awaiting the written reasons from the independent commission in relation to its decision on the charges, and would not be commenting further until that time..