Lucas Paquetá can finally breathe again. The West Ham midfielder has been cleared of serious misconduct charges by an independent regulatory commission, ending a long and tense investigation by the Football Association.
The Brazilian faced allegations of deliberately receiving yellow cards in four Premier League games across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. A guilty verdict could have resulted in a lengthy ban and irreparable damage to his career. But the case collapsed this week, bringing a wave of relief across east London.
“Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence,” Paquetá said in a statement. “I am grateful to God, my wife, my family, and the fans who stood by me. I cannot wait to play football with joy again.”
The investigation stemmed from bookings in matches against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth. Each yellow card raised suspicion about unusual betting activity. The FA officially charged him in May last year, halting a potential £85m move to Manchester City.
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady praised the 27-year-old’s resolve. “Despite the pressure, Lucas has performed every week. We stood by him from the start, and we’re proud of how he handled this ordeal,” she said.
The ordeal has not come cheap. Reports suggest Paquetá’s legal defence cost close to £1 million. The FA may now be asked to foot that bill, following the ruling in his favour.
Paquetá joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 and quickly became a fan favourite. He has made 120 appearances, scored 18 goals, and helped the club lift the UEFA Conference League in 2023. His work ethic and flair made him central to the team’s rise under David Moyes.
This investigation cast a long shadow over his career. It threatened his reputation, stalled a move to the Premier League champions, and left a cloud over every performance. Yet, Paquetá kept showing up, delivering each week with quiet strength.
The London Stadium faithful never turned. They sang his name, week after week, even as uncertainty loomed. That bond now feels stronger than ever.
Paquetá has two years left on his contract, with an option to extend. With this chapter finally closed, he can focus on what he does best which is dictating play and dazzling the crowd.
