‘He’s been fighting for his career, essentially’
Case not proved against Brazilian in July 2025
Graham Potter has said a weight was lifted off Lucas Paquetá’s shoulders when the West Ham midfielder was cleared of spot-fixing after a two-year Football Association process.
Paquetá was at risk of a lengthy ban after the FA charged him last year with four counts of deliberately getting booked to influence betting markets so that friends and family members may benefit. The investigation came to light in August 2023, ending the Brazilian’s hopes of joining Manchester City that month, and had the potential to end the 27-year-old’s career.
Confirmation of a regulatory commission finding the case against Paquetá to be not proved arrived last month. The Brazil international, who joined West Ham for £51m three years ago, has gone on to perform well in pre-season and Potter senses that the former Lyon player’s mood has been lifted by no longer being under suspicion.
