Lucas Paquetá Cleared of FA Betting Influence Allegations, Found Guilty of Investigation Breach

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of allegations related to breaching the Football Association’s betting rules after a two-year investigation. The FA had accused Paquetá of intentionally seeking a referee’s card in order to manipulate betting markets for profit. Paquetá denied these claims, and the FA’s Regulatory Commission ultimately found the charges not proven following a hearing.

However, the midfielder was found guilty of misconduct for failing to comply with the FA’s investigation process. Specifically, Paquetá was charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 regarding his obligations to answer questions and provide information. Despite denial, these charges were upheld by the Commission.

The FA’s statement clarified: “It was alleged that Lucas Paquetá directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.”

The statement further noted, “The Regulatory Commission has found the misconduct charges against the player for alleged breaches of FA Rule F3 to be proven. The Commission will decide an appropriate sanction for these breaches at the earliest opportunity.” This marks a partial resolution to concerns raised during the lengthy inquiry, distinguishing between the betting allegations and procedural compliance issues.