West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paketa revealed he violated the FA’s betting rules by an independent regulatory board.
The FA had called for a lifetime ban on Paketa, who was accused of committing spotfix crimes in four Premier League matches from November 2022 to August 2023.
Paketa said:
“I can’t say anything more at this point, but I want to express how grateful I am to God and how enthusiastic I am to play football with a smile on my face.
“Thank you to my wife, West Ham United, who never lets go of my hands, to my fans who have always supported me, and to my family, friends, and to my legal team who have supported me – everything.”
Paqueta has been under investigation since August 2023 and was accused in May 2024 by the FA for allegedly deliberately booked “for the inappropriate purpose of affecting the betting market.”
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The four accusations against him were related to the Premier League match against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, and against Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
However, it turns out that Paqueta did not fully cooperate with the investigation, which violated FA Rule F3. He was accused of not answering questions properly or providing information when necessary.
He denied the misconduct, but the regulatory commission endorses the charges and eventually decides “appropriate punishment.”
West Ham vice-chairman Karen Brady said, “We are delighted that Lucas has been cleared as the 27-year-old has been exempt from the fixed spot fee.
“He has maintained his innocence from the start, and as a club we stood firm by his side and supported him throughout the process.
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas plays a week a week a week for the club and gives it everything all the time. It’s been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he’s absolutely professional throughout, and I look forward to drawing a line under this episode, as everyone at West Ham United does.”
