West Ham’s Paquetá Beats Spot-Fixing Allegations After Two Years

West Ham boss Graham Potter has confirmed Lucas Paquetá will remain fully committed to the club after being cleared of spot-fixing allegations, ending a near two-year saga that cast a long shadow over the midfielder’s future. 

“Eager to Return to Playing Football”

The Football Association had accused Paquetá of intentionally receiving yellow cards to manipulate betting markets. With a lifetime ban looming, the charges were ultimately dismissed last week, to the relief of both the player and the club.

A three-member independent commission has ruled that the four main charges of spot-fixing were “not proven.” 

The inquiry that was initiated over a yellow card Paquetá received during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in August 2023 eventually expanded to three other matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Leeds United. 

What made the case more unusual was that many of the suspicious bets of up to $550 came from Paquetá Island in Brazil, his birthplace and namesake.

“Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations,” Paquetá’s official statement through the club said. 

“I can’t say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face.”

Potential Fine for Failing to Fully Cooperate

The 27-year-old could be forced to pay a fine for violations regarding failure to fully cooperate during the probe, namely, failing to answer certain questions and withholding information. 

The scandal also had a series of far-reaching monetary consequences. For starters, a massive $110 million transfer to Manchester City in the summer of 2023 fell through because of the ongoing investigation. 

Plus, between legal fees and related costs, Paquetá and West Ham are believed to have spent close to £1 million ($1.32 million), which they could now try to reclaim from the FA.

In a separate but related development in Brazil, a Senate inquiry into match-fixing recommended criminal charges against Paquetá’s uncle, Bruno Tolentino, and two associates. 

The group was accused of organizing betting schemes involving other players, such as Luis Henrique. However, Brazilian prosecutors declined to press charges, and Paquetá himself was never directly involved or sanctioned.

Potter: “The News Is Incredibly Positive”

Potter, speaking from Atlanta ahead of West Ham’s Premier League Summer Series clash with Bournemouth, was happy about having the Brazilian back in the fold.

“You never know for sure because anything can happen in the window with anybody,” Potter admitted. “But the news is incredibly positive. If it had gone the other way, there would have been a whole other line of questions.”

The British manager went on to describe Paquetá as “happy and committed”, calling him an important person in the dressing room and at the club”, where he is loved by everyone. 

“We just want to help him enjoy his football.”, the former left-back with 307 appearances in the Football League explained. 

Potter, who played for Southampton in the Premier League and represented Shrewsbury Town in the Football Conference, also spoke about the challenges and “tough period” that the Brazilian player experienced “on a personal level”.

“It is a credit to him and his family and everyone who has supported him that he has come through.”, the 50-year-old added. While Paquetá’s future looks secure for now, West Ham fans are still on edge, with the transfer window open until September 1 and Manchester City still rumored to be very much alive.