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Lucas Paquetá, midfielder for West Ham and the Brazilian national team, has been cleared of accusations of manipulating sports bets, as revealed by the English newspaper The Times this Friday, July 25, 2025. The decision, awaited from the English Football Federation (FA), concludes a process initiated in May 2024, which investigated alleged infractions in four Premier League games between 2022 and 2023. The acquittal, set to be officially announced next week, spares the player from a possible lifetime ban and allows him to continue his career in English football. The case, involving yellow cards received in specific matches, caused significant repercussions and affected negotiations with clubs like Manchester City. The FA will cover legal costs estimated at R$ 90 million, while West Ham and the player’s staff await the formalization of the verdict.
The FA’s investigation began after identifying an unusual volume of bets on Paquetá’s yellow cards, many originating from Paquetá Island in Rio de Janeiro, where the player was born. The case took on complex dimensions, involving accusations of obstruction and even a parallel investigation in Brazil, conducted by the CPI on Manipulation of Games and Sports Bets. Despite the seriousness of the complaints, Paquetá always denied any involvement, stating that he cooperated fully with the authorities.
- Investigated Games: Leicester City (November 2022), Aston Villa (March 2023), Leeds United (May 2023), and Bournemouth (August 2023).
- Accusations: Four violations of FA Rule E5.1, which prohibits influencing results for betting purposes, and two infractions for obstruction.
- Emotional Impact: Paquetá faced psychological pressure, with notable episodes like tears after a yellow card against Tottenham in May 2025.
The relief brought by the acquittal reignites the player’s promising future, both at West Ham and in potential transfers, while sparking debates about policies to combat betting manipulation in football.
Details of the Investigative Process
The FA’s investigation started in August 2023, after the betting company BetWay, sponsor of West Ham, detected an unusual pattern of bets on Paquetá’s yellow cards. The bets, many of modest values like 7 pounds (about R$ 46), generated significant profits, reaching 100 thousand pounds (approximately R$ 670 thousand) in some matches. The concentration of bets on Paquetá Island, where the player has family roots, raised suspicions of possible use of privileged information.
The process involved analyzing four specific Premier League matches, in which Paquetá received yellow cards. The FA alleged that the player acted intentionally to influence the betting market, benefiting third parties. Additionally, two further accusations of obstruction were made, related to the disposal of a cellphone that Paquetá claimed to have replaced after the return of his original device by the FA. Despite the allegations, the player always declared himself innocent, emphasizing his collaboration with the authorities.
The hearing, which began in March 2025, was marked by postponements due to the complexity of the case and the lawyers’ commitments. The independent committee responsible for the verdict thoroughly analyzed the evidence, including financial records and communications, but, according to The Times, found no sufficient proof to sustain the accusations.
🚨🇧🇷 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Lucas Paqueta (27) set to be CLEARED of FA spot-fixing charges, reports @TimesSport! ✅ pic.twitter.com/tuXDgnhNcQ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 25, 2025
Repercussion at West Ham
West Ham, which invested 51 million pounds (about R$ 381 million) to sign Paquetá in 2022, faced significant uncertainties during the process. The possibility of a lifetime ban raised concerns about the need to seek a replacement in the transfer market. The club estimates losses of up to 80 million pounds, considering the player’s devaluation and the interruption of negotiations, such as Manchester City’s 82 million euro proposal in 2023.
With the acquittal, West Ham plans to renew Paquetá’s contract, which runs until 2027, to protect his market value. Coach Graham Potter, according to sources close, intends to keep the midfielder as a starter but considers resting him in some matches to preserve his mental health after the case’s pressure.
Parallel Investigation in Brazil
In parallel, Paquetá’s case gained prominence in Brazil with the CPI on Manipulation of Games and Sports Bets, conducted by the Senate. The commission, led by Senator Romário, investigated possible connections between the player and bettors, including his uncle, Bruno Tolentino. Bank records pointed to transfers of R$ 40 thousand from Tolentino to Luiz Henrique, former Botafogo player, raising suspicions of a broader scheme.
- Postponed Testimony: Paquetá was summoned to testify at the CPI in October 2024, but the deposition was postponed twice due to conflicts with his Premier League schedule and the preparation of his defense in England.
- Family Involvement: The CPI identified Tolentino as part of a list of suspicious bettors, based on financial movements and witness testimonies.
- Brazilian Legislation: In Brazil, manipulation of sporting events can result in up to six years in prison, but there is no provision for sports bans like in England.
The acquittal in England does not automatically close the investigations in Brazil, but it reduces the pressure on the player, who can now focus on his career without the threat of severe punishments.
Financial and Market Impact
The case had direct reflections on Paquetá’s market value. In August 2023, the player was valued at 65 million euros by Transfermarkt. During the investigation, his value dropped to 35 million euros in March 2025. With the acquittal, experts predict a recovery, reigniting interest from clubs like Manchester City and even Flamengo, which negotiated a possible return of the midfielder.
West Ham, in turn, suffered significant financial losses. In addition to the initial investment, the club faced indirect costs, such as stalled negotiations and uncertainty about the squad. The acquittal allows the club to plan the season with more security, keeping Paquetá as a central piece.
Psychological Pressure on the Player
The investigation deeply affected Paquetá’s mental health. A notable episode occurred in May 2025, during a match against Tottenham, when the player was seen crying after receiving a yellow card. His wife, Duda Fournier, used social media to criticize the public exposure of the case, highlighting the emotional wear on the family.
Paquetá, who continued playing for West Ham and the Brazilian national team during the process, demonstrated resilience, but the pressure from the accusations and uncertainty about his future affected his performance at times. The acquittal represents significant relief, allowing the player to regain his emotional stability.
Reactions in English Football
The FA’s decision sparked debates in England about policies to combat betting manipulation. Some experts question whether Paquetá’s acquittal could set a precedent for future cases, making severe punishments more difficult. The FA, which sought an exemplary ban, will face criticism for not sustaining the accusations, especially after covering high legal costs.
- Previous Cases: Players like Ivan Toney (suspended for eight months) and Sandro Tonali (ten months) received punishments for betting violations, but without direct manipulation accusations.
- FA’s Strictness: The federation is known for its rigid stance, with punishments ranging from fines to lifetime bans in serious cases.
- Precedent: Paquetá’s acquittal may lead to reviews in the FA’s investigative processes, especially in cases based on circumstantial evidence.
West Ham fans celebrated the news, fearing the loss of a crucial player for the team. The decision also reignites discussions about protecting athletes from accusations based on betting patterns without concrete evidence.
Connection with Paquetá Island
The origin of the bets on Paquetá Island in Rio de Janeiro was one of the central points of the investigation. The FA identified that about 60 bets, many of low values, were placed on the player’s yellow cards, with significant profits. The connection with the island, where Paquetá was born and maintains family ties, raised suspicions of involvement by people close to the athlete.
The Brazilian CPI deepened these suspicions, pointing to financial transfers between Paquetá’s uncle and other players, like Luiz Henrique. Despite the investigations, no direct evidence was presented that Paquetá coordinated or actively participated in the scheme.
Paquetá’s Future in Football
With the acquittal, Paquetá recovers his reputation in English and international football. The player, who played 25 games and scored four goals in the 2024/2025 season, is seen as a fundamental piece at West Ham. The club plans to strengthen its squad with the midfielder’s permanence, while negotiations with other European giants may be resumed.
In Brazil, Flamengo monitors the situation, but Paquetá’s continuity in Europe is the most likely scenario. The Brazilian national team, which kept the player in its call-ups during the process, also benefits from the decision, ensuring his presence in future competitions.
History of Betting Punishments
English football has a strict history in combating betting violations. Cases like Kynan Isaac, suspended for ten years in 2022 for card manipulation, and Bradley Wood, banned for six years in 2017, show the FA’s severity in similar cases. Paquetá’s acquittal contrasts with these precedents, highlighting the complexity of proving manipulation intentions.
The FA continues to review its policies to balance the protection of sport’s integrity with ensuring fair processes for athletes. Paquetá’s case should influence future investigations, especially regarding the analysis of betting patterns and circumstantial evidence.
