West Ham's Paquetá Cleared of Misconduct Charges by FA

On July 31, 2025, West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá was acquitted of misconduct charges brought against him by the English Football Association (FA). The charges, which were formally filed in May 2024, alleged that Paquetá had intentionally sought to receive yellow cards in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023 in order to influence the betting market.

However, an independent Regulatory Commission has now concluded that the misconduct charges against Paquetá were not proven. The 27-year-old Brazilian had denied the allegations from the outset, stating that he was "extremely surprised and upset" by the FA's decision to charge him. Paquetá had cooperated fully with the nine-month investigation, providing all the information requested.

While the Regulatory Commission found the misconduct charges unproven, it did determine that Paquetá had failed to fulfill his obligations to answer questions and provide information to the FA investigation. The player will now face an appropriate sanction for these violations, the details of which are yet to be announced.

With the misconduct charges cleared, Paquetá's future at West Ham remains uncertain. The midfielder, who is under contract until 2027, could now seek a move away from the club, potentially returning to his former team Flamengo or joining a Champions League club.