Brazil and West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta was officially charged with breaking English football's betting rules on May 23, 2024.
The Football Association alleged the player committed six breaches of its regulations relating to his conduct during four Premier League matches, from November 2022 to August 2023.
Paqueta issued a statement in which he strongly denied the charges and vowed to "fight with every breath to clear my name". On July 31, 2025, it was confirmed that the charges were "not proven" following examination by an independent regulatory commission.
The Sporting News looks at the case around the player.
Lucas Paqueta betting investigation latest: West Ham star cleared of spot-fixing rule breaches
On July 31, 2025, the FA confirmed that charges against Paqueta had been found not proven by an independent regulatory commission.
The decision was made following a hearing by the commission.
Paqueta was found to have committed two more minor rule breaches, which related to his alleged failure to co-operate fully with the FA's investigation.
The player was found to have committed offences "in relation to alleged failures to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information" to the FA. The commission will recommend a suitable sanction "at the earliest opportunity".
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady said in a statement: "We are 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 United."
What was Lucas Paqueta accused of doing?
On May 23, England's Football Association confirmed it had charged Paqueta with misconduct in relation to rules regarding betting.
Paqueta was charged with four breaches of rule E5.1, and two breaches of rule F3. The former relates to allegations that he was "intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee." He was given until June 3 to respond to the charges.
In its written explanation, the FA said: "The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club's Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on November 12, 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
"It's alleged that he 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.
"Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2."
It is the alleged breaches of FA Rule F3 that were upheld by the commission. The other charges were found not proven.
Lucas Paqueta responds as betting case ends
Paqueta had always denied the charges and insisted he would "fight with every breath" to clear his name. West ham vowed to "continue to stand by and support the player throughout the process and will make no further comment until the matter is concluded".
After confirmation that the most serious charges had not been proven, Paqueta posted a story to his Instagram page, which included a statement in Portuguese and English.
"The enemy will come against us one day, but they will flee seven ways," it read.
"Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations. I can't say anything more now, but I also can't 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, to the fans who always cheered me on, to Fernando Malta and my legal time at Level (Alastair Campbell, Jonathan Hyman, Dan Lowen), Nick de Marco KC, and Kendrah Potts — thank you for everything.
"All glory and honor be to God! A complete work."
When did Lucas Paqueta sign for West Ham?
Paqueta joined West Ham from French club Lyon in August 2022. The Premier League side confirmed at the time that it was a record transfer, thought to be in the region of an initial £36.5 million, which could eventually rise to more than £50m.
The 27-year-old has since become an integral player at London Stadium and helped the Hammers to win the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022/23.
He was linked with a possible move to Manchester City before the 2023/24 season, but no such transfer materialised.
Did Lucas Paqueta play at the Copa America for Brazil?
Paqueta was one of the 26 players named by Dorival Junior in the Brazil squad for the 2024 Copa America.
The midfielder played in all four of his country's games at the tournament in the United States, where they were eliminated on penalties at the quarterfinal stage by Uruguay.