A major twist in a case that has rocked English football for nearly a year. According to multiple sources close to the matter, Lucas Paquetá is reportedly on the verge of being cleared in the FA’s investigation into alleged match-fixing.
Heavy suspicions, stalled career
The Brazilian midfielder for West Ham was accused by the English Football Association (FA) of deliberately picking up yellow cards in Premier League matches where suspicious betting patterns were detected—especially from Brazil, and more specifically, from the island of Paquetá, his hometown.
The investigation put a sudden halt to his anticipated transfer to Manchester City in the summer of 2023 and cast a shadow over his reputation and career.
A likely case dismissal?
After months of investigation, the evidence gathered by the FA now appears insufficient to prove any wrongdoing. Reports on Thursday suggest the governing body is leaning towards dropping the case altogether, citing a lack of concrete proof. An official decision could be announced in the coming days.
“Paquetá has always denied any involvement. He’s been fully cooperative with investigators since day one,” a source close to the player revealed.
What’s next for Paquetá?
If cleared, this would mark a major turning point for the 26-year-old, who continued performing well for West Ham despite the cloud hanging over him. His transfer value could quickly surge, and clubs like Manchester City may once again pursue his signature.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian national team, which had temporarily sidelined him, could also reconsider his inclusion ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
🎯 A case to follow closely. If the FA confirms it will drop the charges, Lucas Paquetá could soon reclaim his spot among Europe’s top midfielders.
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