An independent Regulatory Commission cleared West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá of four spot‑fixing charges on 31 July 2025. After the 314‑page written reasons were released on 3 September, the FA confirmed it will not appeal. Two lesser non‑cooperation charges (Rule F3) were found proven and await sanction. Reports indicate Paquetá is considering legal action, citing reputational harm and the collapse of a proposed transfer to Manchester City in 2023.


Lucas Paquetá
Lucas Paquetá West Ham player



Key points

  • Four spot‑fixing charges (Rule E5.1) were found not proven by an independent Regulatory Commission on 31 July 2025.
  • The FA confirmed on 3 September 2025 that it will not appeal after the written reasons were published.
  • Two lesser charges under Rule F3 (relating to non‑cooperation with the investigation) were found proven; a sanction will be set by the commission.
  • Paquetá is considering suing the FA for damages linked to reputational harm and the collapse of a proposed 2023 move to Manchester City.

Why the panel cleared him

The commission’s written reasons—running to over 300 pages—found no evidence that Paquetá sought to be booked in order to influence betting markets. It noted that his cautions were within his normal playing profile, highlighted weaknesses in aspects of the FA’s analysis, and observed that material obtained from his devices did not support an inference of betting‑related misconduct.

What the evidence did (and didn’t) show

  • Unusual betting patterns around yellow cards were not, in the panel’s view, indicative of a coordinated fix.
  • Performance and refereeing assessments supported the view that the bookings fell within ordinary football actions.
  • Data from Paquetá’s devices did not reveal betting‑related communications tied to the matches in question.

What still remains

The commission found two breaches of Rule F3 (non‑cooperation) proven. These relate to obligations to answer questions and to provide information during the investigation. The commission will determine an appropriate sanction in due course. While distinct from the dismissed spot‑fixing charges, any penalty will be recorded separately in the case outcome.

Timeline of the case

  • August 2023: Allegations emerge; a prospective move to Manchester City stalls.
  • 23 May 2024: The FA charges Paquetá with four alleged breaches of Rule E5.1 and two of Rule F3.
  • March–July 2025: Hearing before an independent Regulatory Commission.
  • 31 July 2025: Commission finds the E5.1 charges not proven; F3 charges proven, sanction pending.
  • 3 September 2025: Written reasons published; the FA confirms it will not appeal.
  • September 2025: Reports say Paquetá is weighing legal action.

What it means for West Ham and the Premier League

For West Ham, the decision removes the largest sporting risk hanging over a key midfielder, while leaving a limited disciplinary matter outstanding. More broadly, the case is a high‑profile test of how English football’s integrity processes interface with betting alerts, performance analysis and due process—issues that clubs, players and regulators will be keen to navigate more cleanly in future.

FAQs

Was he cleared of all charges?

He was cleared of the spot‑fixing charges. Two non‑cooperation charges were proven and await sanction.

Will the FA appeal?

No—the FA has said it will not appeal after the written reasons were published on 3 September 2025.

What about the Manchester City transfer?

Reports indicate the proposed 2023 move collapsed during the early phase of the investigation; that collapse is part of the potential damages being considered.