Paqueta could sue FA after spot-fixing acquittal

"The Brazilian was charged by the FA in May 2024 for allegedly getting booked deliberately for the "improper purpose of affecting the betting market". Paqueta was cleared on four counts of supposed spot-fixing by an independent commission in July 2025. Written reasons detailing the commission's findings were published on Wednesday, calling into question the FA's decision not to call in independent expertise on the key area of betting data. Paqueta's legal team is now analysing the case and considering all options in response,"

"The FA's investigation into Paqueta began in August 2023 - nine months before the Brazilian was eventually charged. The announcement of the investigation led to the collapse of the Brazilian's 80m move to Manchester City. The commission noted that both Paqueta and West Ham would have "received substantial sums running into the tens of millions of pounds" and that "both the player and West Ham reserve all of their rights in that regard"."

"A 314-page document prepared by Sports Resolutions - an independent and not-for-profit dispute resolution service - provided detail of the case. A range of information - from former West Ham manager David Moyes' views on the yellow cards to conversations Paqueta's hairdresser mother Cristiane had in a salon back in Brazil - is covered by the commission's written findings. The FA claimed 542 bets totalling 46,758.83 were staked by 253 different bettors with a collective return of 213,703.81, reflecting a net profit of 166,944.98."

Lucas Paqueta was charged by the FA in May 2024 over allegations of deliberately getting booked to affect the betting market and was cleared on four spot-fixing counts by an independent commission in July 2025. Written reasons questioned the FA's failure to seek independent betting-data expertise. Paqueta's lawyers are analysing the case and considering options, including suing the FA. The FA began investigating in August 2023, which led to the collapse of an £80m move to Manchester City. The commission noted potential tens of millions owed to Paqueta and West Ham and covered extensive evidence in a 314-page Sports Resolutions report.

Read at www.bbc.com