West Ham star Lucas Paketa has been exempt from betting violations after a two-year investigation by the Football Association and his lawyers.
Lucas Paketa may have cleared his name for the gambling fees that have been hanging from him for the past two years, but the man who led the Brazilian legal defense believes this episode cost him a Premier League medal.
The 27-year-old Paketa has traveled £85 million from West Ham to Manchester City.
The Independent Committee ruled during the week that the FA failed to prove their case — but two charges alleging that the midfielders had not cooperated with the process were upheld.
Alastair Campbell, now a law firm-level partner, has revealed how the case has hit Paketa hard despite positive outcomes. Campbell said: “Lucas’ life has been essentially put on hold for the past two years.
“He woke up every morning, fearing that this would be the day when his career would end. Of course, Lucas is pleased with the results of the committee. But what should not be forgotten is that there is an alternative universe where he moved to Manchester City and now has a medal for the Premier League winner.
read more: Lucas Paqueta is cleared by the FA after two years of investigation and is spared from a lifetime banread more: After two years of betting investigation, the Lucas Paqueta’ set is set to be cleared by the FA
“The tension he has been incredible since it was announced in August 2023 and was accused, and that should not be forgotten in all of this. This case cost Lucas quite a bit as a person and as a professional footballer.”
Paketa’s legal team is awaiting the committee’s written investigation results before appealing whether they would appeal to a decision that it failed to provide the investigators with the necessary assistance. He also proposed that he could now sue the FA for damages.
However, Campbell accepts that he has an obligation to make sure the game controlled by the FA is clean. He states: “I propose something embarrassing for the FA, but I disagree with that, as the role of a regulator means that if you feel there are cases where you will have to bring in a fee.
“Lucas is currently answering these charges and I am confident that the FA legal team will gain some valuable lessons from now on.
“We have to believe that what we see on the pitch is authentic, so all governing bodies must monitor this kind of thing. The fees brought against Lucas are very serious, which brings the requirements for actual attention.
“The enormous scale of evidence and information from both sides was huge, which is why it took two years,” Campbell added. “Lucas was very emotional when I told him about the decision.
“I know that I can’t stand it at times, knowing that I’ve been putting this weight over my shoulder and not doing what he was accused of.
“Given that mental strength, I think he’ll get through this problem pretty quickly and get back to being a great player.”
Join the new WhatsApp community and receive a daily amount of mirror football content. We also treat community members with special offers, promotions and advertising. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, you can read the privacy notice.
Sky Sports Discount Premier League and EFL Packages
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has cut the prices of Essential TV and Sky Sports bundles ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering over 1,400 live matches in the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, showing an even greater increase of up to 100.
