Paqueta Weighs Legal Action After FA Spot-Fixing Collapse

Lucas Paqueta is considering legal proceedings against the Football Association (FA) after being cleared of spot-fixing charges that overshadowed his career for nearly two years.

The 28-year-old West Ham midfielder was accused of deliberately collecting yellow cards to influence betting markets, a case that scuppered his £80-million move to Manchester City in 2023.

In July, an independent commission dismissed all four charges, finding the FA’s evidence to be flawed and lacking independent expertise.

A 314-page judgment published last week was critical of the governing body’s approach, describing its reliance on its own integrity officer rather than external specialists as “an obvious flaw”.

It also concluded that Paqueta’s cautions were within the normal range of his playing style and that no gambling links were found on his devices.

Alastair Campbell, who leads the Brazilian footballer’s legal team, recently told an international publication: “[Legal proceedings are] certainly something that is at the forefront of our minds and those discussions are ongoing… The driving factor behind this will be what it’s cost Lucas in terms of his career and potential earnings. That is significant.”

The FA has confirmed it will not appeal the verdict.

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