Lucas Paquetá cleared: the truth behind a year of suspicion
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1 Aug 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Falsely accused of match-fixing, Lucas Paquetá has just been definitively cleared by the Football Association.
In August 2023, the football world was rocked when Lucas Paquetá, Brazilian midfielder for West Ham United, was accused by the Football Association (FA) of deliberately receiving yellow cards to influence sports betting. The English football disciplinary body suspected the player of participating in match-fixing between November 2022 and August 2023. The accusation was serious and a lifetime ban was being considered.
But the case quickly proved to be more complex than it appeared.
Spot-fixing: a scourge that is difficult to prove
Unlike traditional match-fixing, which involves rigging the final score, spot-fixing targets specific, isolated actions within a match, in this case yellow cards. These micro-events are more discreet, but can be highly lucrative on illegal betting markets.
The problem? Their nature makes proving them extremely difficult. A poorly executed tackle or a momentary lapse of temper can always be interpreted as a mistake in play. Without irrefutable evidence, the accusation rests on shaky ground.
The FA backs down: lack of evidence, end of proceedings
After several months of thorough investigation, the FA admits defeat. In March 2025, the investigation intensifies, but there is no concrete evidence to prove that Paquetá’s yellow cards were intentional for fraudulent purposes.
The verdict was handed down at the end of July 2025: Lucas Paquetá was officially cleared due to lack of evidence. The FA, cautious, preferred to drop the charges rather than risk an unfounded trial.
West Ham: loyalty and unwavering support
The London club’s reaction was swift. In a statement signed by its vice-chair Karren Brady, West Ham expressed its satisfaction:
‘We are delighted that Lucas has been cleared. He has always maintained his innocence, and we have supported him unwaveringly. Despite the pressure, he has continued to give 100% on the pitch.’
This constant support contrasts sharply with the usual reactions in doping or corruption cases, where clubs often distance themselves. Here, West Ham chose solidarity.
Lucas Paquetá, battered but dignified
The man himself reacted emotionally. In the same statement, he thanked God, his wife, his lawyers and his supporters:
‘From day one, I have denied these extremely serious allegations. I don’t have the words yet, but I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.’
He did not go into details, demonstrating remarkable professionalism. His priority is to turn the page and rediscover the joy of playing.
Performance intact despite the storm
Despite the shadow of the investigation, Paquetá never stopped playing. In 2024-2025, he played 33 Premier League matches, scored four goals, and made numerous assists. Just last Thursday, he shone in the Premier League Summer Series, with a goal and an assist against Everton.His performance, far from being weakened, proves that he has held his own.