Sanction will be determined at a separate hearing but the FA has recommended a financial penalty rather than a ban
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta will receive a fine after being found guilty of breaching English Football Association (FA) rules during its two-year spot-fixing investigation.
An independent commission confirmed in July that the West Ham midfielder was not guilty of allegations of deliberately collecting yellow cards to influence betting markets, but it upheld two lesser charges for failing to fully cooperate with the FA’s inquiry, including not providing all requested information.
July’s verdict brought an end to an investigation into spot-fixing allegations that started in August 2023 and threatened to derail the Brazilian’s career.
Investigations began in August 2023 but Paqueta was charged by the FA in May 2024, accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards in four Premier League matches between late 2022 and mid-2023.
The sanction for the two lesser charges will be determined at a separate hearing, though the FA has recommended a fine rather than a ban. Paqueta’s legal team may contest the size of any financial punishment.
The 28-year-old has continued playing for West Ham but lived under scrutiny since 2023, when the investigation began and cost him a proposed £85m transfer to Manchester City.
The full decision of the commission is due to be published this week. The publication will also clarify who will pay the costs of the case.
