Key Takeaways:
- Lucas Paqueta was cleared in July 2025 of four spot-fixing allegations following a two-year FA investigation
- A 314-page written judgement revealed “surprising and concerning flaws” in the FA’s case, including lack of independent expert testimony
- The West Ham midfielder’s legal team is exploring the possibility of suing the FA due to the significant career and financial impact caused by the case
Background to the Investigation
West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta is reportedly weighing up the prospect of taking legal action against the Football Association after a detailed review of his spot-fixing trial exposed a range of procedural and evidential shortcomings in the governing body’s case.
The Brazilian international was fully exonerated in July 2025, having faced four allegations of intentionally collecting yellow cards to influence betting activity. The FA’s investigation extended over two years, casting doubts over Paqueta’s professional reputation and ultimately costing him a high-profile transfer.
🚨 Lucas Paquetá and West Ham are considering suing the English FA over the collapse of his transfer to Manchester City.
The move didn't happen because the FA charged Paquetá for breaking betting rules but he has since been found not-guilty.
(Source: @TimesSport) pic.twitter.com/dI4igEyTcT
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 4, 2025
Impact on Paqueta’s Career
The prolonged nature of the inquiry not only put Paqueta’s conduct under intense scrutiny but also resulted in the collapse of his anticipated move to Manchester City. At the time the charges arose, Paqueta was poised to join the reigning Premier League champions, a deal that would have represented a significant step forward in his club career. The transfer’s failure led to substantial financial and professional losses for the 28-year-old midfielder.
Details from the Judgement and Legal Response
The commission’s exhaustive 314-page judgement, made public following Paqueta’s exoneration, highlighted a series of critical oversights within the FA’s handling of the case. Chief among these was the failure to call upon external experts for vital aspects of the trial—specifically the analysis of betting data, which was instead presented by the FA’s own betting integrity officer, Tom Astley. The commission noted: “From the commission’s perspective the evidence presented by the FA on the betting data had an obvious flaw, namely the lack of an independent expert assessment of that data. That the FA chose to advance the most important element of its case without any such independent expert assessment of it was, in the commission’s view, surprising.”
Alistair Campbell, who heads Paqueta’s legal team, stated: “It’s certainly something that is at the forefront of our minds and those discussions are ongoing. I can’t say we’re about to run off to court but it’s something that’s under consideration.
“It’s a judgement that’s quite critical of the FA at some points but there are other points where it says you can see why suspicion was raised.
“The driving factor behind this will be what it’s cost Lucas in terms of his career and potential earnings. That is significant. He was on the verge of a move to Man City when this first happened and they went on to win the Premier League that year. There’s an empty space in his trophy cabinet that can’t be filled by an exoneration and by some recompense.
“He definitely feels aggrieved. The judgement comprehensively exonerates him so the ultimate decision will rest with Lucas but we will certainly be exploring all possibilities.”
FA’s Proceedings Under Scrutiny
The case assessment has further intensified criticism of the FA, particularly concerning its reliance on internal expertise and absence of independent review. As outlined in the commission’s findings, the FA’s presentation of betting-related evidence fell short of standard practice concerning impartiality and thoroughness, a point described as “surprising” by the commission itself.
Current Status and Next Steps
With the FA confirming it will not pursue an appeal against Lucas Paqueta’s exoneration, attention now turns to whether the West Ham star will initiate legal proceedings for damages resulting from the investigation and its effects on his professional trajectory and earnings. Paqueta and his legal representatives remain in discussions regarding their next move.
