Lucas Paqueta plans legal claim against FA for more than 1m after spot-fixing acquittal

"Lucas Paqueta is planning to launch a legal claim for more than 1m in costs against the Football Association after the publication of the regulatory commission's 314-page report that cleared the West Ham player of spot-fixing. The Guardian has learned that while Paqueta is unlikely to sue the FA for damages for lost earnings from its two-year case against him, which led to the collapse of a proposed 85m transfer to Manchester City."

"Paqueta's case would appear to have been strengthened by the commission's report, which highlighted numerous flaws in the FA's handling of the case. Major elements of the FA's prosecution were described as surprising, concerning and contradictory by the commission, which also criticised the governing body for failing to call an independent expert to assess the 253 suspicious bets on the four bookings the Brazilian was alleged to have fixed."

"Paqueta's lawyers are expected to argue that flaws in the investigation caused delays in the case, at considerable cost to the player and West Ham, who unsuccessfully petitioned the FA for an expedited hearing last year after he was charged with four counts of spot-fixing in May 2024. His lawyers will also insist that the FA pay the costs incurred by the commission, which given the length and complexity of the case are expected to run into several hundred thousand pounds."

Lucas Paqueta plans to claim £1–1.5m in legal costs from the Football Association after a regulatory commission cleared him of spot-fixing. He is unlikely to sue for lost earnings from the collapsed £85m transfer to Manchester City, but will seek recovery of legal fees and commission costs. The commission's report identified numerous flaws in the FA's handling, criticised key elements of the prosecution, and noted the failure to call an independent expert on 253 suspicious bets. Paqueta's lawyers will argue investigative delays caused considerable expense to him and West Ham. A new hearing will decide costs and punishment for lesser cooperation charges.

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