LUCAS PAQUETA has ESCAPED a lifetime ban from football after learning the fate of his betting probe.
The West Ham star has played for two years while allegations of being deliberately yellow-carded hung over his head.
GettyLucas Paqueta has escaped a lifetime ban after his betting probe[/caption]
GettyHe netted for West Ham last night against Everton[/caption]
AFPPaqueta was accused of being deliberately carded on four occasions[/caption]
It was alleged that Paqueta picked up bookings on four separate occasions between November 2022 to August 2023 amid suspicious betting patterns being flagged.
A guilty verdict could have seen the 27-year-old slapped with a lifetime ban from football.
However, West Ham have now confirmed that the Brazilian has been CLEARED.
A statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that an independent Regulatory Commission has cleared Lucas Paquetá of misconduct charges made against him by the Football Association for alleged breaches of FA rule E5.
“The club has stood by Lucas since the very start of a long and difficult process.”
Paqueta, 27, has thanked all those who supported him throughout the process.
He said: “Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.
“I can’t say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face.
“To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, to the fans who always cheered me on, and to my family, friends and the legal team who have supported me – thank you for everything.”
West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady said: “We are pleased Lucas has been cleared.
“He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and as a Club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process.
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the Club, always giving everything.
“It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham United.”
Paqueta already appeared to have the weight lifted from his shoulders in West Ham’s 2-1 pre-season win over Everton.
He poked home the Hammers’ equaliser during the Premier League Summer Series clash.
GettyPaqueta helped West Ham beat Everton last night[/caption]
GettyHe has been linked with a move to former side Flamengo[/caption]
The former Lyon man celebrated the goal, pointing up to the sky and shared a picture of the moment on Instagram with the caption “God” and a love heart emoji.
Idrissa Gueye netted the Toffees’ opener before Paqueta’s goal which was followed by a winner by Niklas Fullkrug.
Paqueta has been linked away from the London Stadium this summer with former club Flamengo believed to be interested.
He is believed to be considering legal action against the FA, in addition to trying to recover his £1m costs.
Although the FA has confirmed the commission found him guilty of two breaches of FA Rule F3 by failing to answer questions and to provide information to the investigation.
Paqueta is likely to be fined for those offences, but is now free of the shadow of the more serious charges that could have led to a long ban or even the end of his career.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
