Lucas Paqueta Moves to Sue FA as Explosive Evidence Reveals Critical Flaws in Spot-Fixing Case

Lucas Paqueta Considers Legal Action Against FA After Spot-Fixing Case Collapses

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is exploring legal action against the Football Association (FA) after a damning 314-page report revealed significant flaws in their failed spot-fixing case against him. The independent commission overseeing the trial criticized the FA’s “concerning” and “contradictory” handling of the case, which nearly derailed the Brazilian’s career and blocked a potential £85m move to Manchester City.

Paqueta, 28, was cleared in July of four charges of deliberately receiving yellow cards to influence betting markets but was found guilty of two lesser counts of failing to cooperate with the investigation. The FA’s case relied on suspicious betting activity tied to 27 individuals linked to Paqueta, who profited nearly £170,000 from bets placed during four matches in 2022–23. However, the commission concluded the bets were likely the result of “hot tips” among friends and family—not orchestrated spot-fixing.

Flawed Evidence and “Surprising” FA Tactics
The FA’s reliance on internal experts, rather than independent ones, drew sharp criticism. Their chief witness, betting integrity officer Tom Astley, was deemed non-independent, and the FA’s own legal counsel openly disputed his claims during the trial. The commission called the lack of impartial analysis “surprising,” adding that the FA’s arguments were sometimes “contradictory,” alleging Paqueta both hid his actions and “chased” yellow cards.

Mobile phone analysis also undermined the FA’s case. Despite claims Paqueta deleted evidence, recovered messages showed no proof of wrongdoing. Former West Ham manager David Moyes and ex-referee Mark Clattenburg testified to Paqueta’s on-field conduct, with the commission noting his yellow card rate remained consistent across his career.

Missed Transfer and Career Impact
Paqueta’s legal team emphasized the ordeal cost him a career-defining move to Manchester City in 2023. “He was on the verge of joining City, who went on to win the Premier League. An exoneration can’t replace that,” said lawyer Alistair Campbell. Paqueta has reportedly lost millions in potential earnings and endorsements.

Paqueta celebrating a goal for West Ham. The midfielder was cleared of spot-fixing after a two-year investigation.

Betting Patterns Deemed “Illogical” for Spot-Fixing
The FA alleged suspicious bets spiked during four matches:

• 17 bets on a yellow card vs. Leicester (Nov 2022)
• 249 vs. Aston Villa (March 2023)
• 87 vs. Leeds (May 2023)
• 189 vs. Bournemouth (Aug 2023)

However, the commission noted the fluctuating numbers and lack of max-stakes wagers made the claims “def[y] logic.” They found no evidence Paqueta profited or knew about the bets.

Non-Cooperation Charges and FA Missteps
Paqueta admitted failing to fully cooperate early in the investigation but later offered to answer questions—a gesture the FA reportedly ignored. The commission called this refusal “surprising,” given the severity of the charges. He faces a fine, not a ban, for these breaches.

Paqueta with his wife, Maria Fournier, who called the case a “nightmare.” The couple shared emotional posts after his exoneration.

FA’s Costly Week of Blunders
The ruling follows another FA defeatdays earlier, where Nottingham Forest secured over £100,000 in legal costs after alleging bias in an appeal panel. Critics argue the governing body’s investigatory processes need reform.

What’s Next for Paqueta?
Though exonerated, Paqueta’s team is weighing a lawsuit against the FA for reputational and financial damages. “We’re exploring all options,” said Campbell. The FA stated it remains “committed to upholding integrity” but accepted the verdict.

Former West Ham boss David Moyes testified in Paqueta’s defense during the hearing.

Paqueta, now focused on his return to football, posted a heartfelt message with his wife after the ruling: “The truth prevailed. Our family can finally move forward.” Yet, the fallout from the FA’s flawed case lingers, leaving questions about accountability and the human cost of prolonged investigations.