LONDON, July 31, 2025 —
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been officially cleared of all alleged betting breaches, following a lengthy investigation that had cast uncertainty over his career and future in the Premier League.
The club confirmed the outcome on Wednesday, stating that the 26-year-old Brazilian has been exonerated of any wrongdoing related to suspicious betting activity flagged by the Football Association (FA) in 2023.
“We are pleased that Lucas has been cleared and can now move forward without this matter overshadowing his contribution to the club,” West Ham said in a statement.
Allegations That Shook His Season
Paquetá had come under scrutiny after irregular betting patterns were detected concerning yellow cards he received in several matches. The FA launched an inquiry into potential breaches of Rule E5, which prohibits players from influencing or attempting to influence the outcome or conduct of a match for betting purposes.
Throughout the investigation, Paquetá maintained his innocence, cooperating fully with the authorities and continuing to feature for West Ham under the support of manager and teammates.
Emotional Response from the Player
Reacting to the decision, Paquetá described the past year as one of the most challenging in his professional life.
“It was a difficult time, especially for my family,” he said. “But I always knew the truth would come out. I love football, I respect the game, and I’m just happy this is behind me.”
The midfielder thanked West Ham fans for their unwavering support, noting their encouragement helped him stay focused on the pitch despite the uncertainty.
Looking Ahead
The clearance not only restores Paquetá’s standing but also reopens the door to potential transfer interest from top European clubs, including Manchester City, who had previously paused talks pending the investigation’s outcome.
West Ham, meanwhile, view Paquetá as central to their midfield plans for the upcoming season. With his name now cleared, the club and player can move forward with renewed focus.
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