West Ham star Lucas Paquetá is considering legal action against the Football Association (FA) after being cleared of spot-fixing allegations in a case that dragged on for more than a year.
Acquittal and FA’s Flawed Case
An independent commission dismissed all charges of deliberate yellow card manipulation against Paquetá, ruling the case “not proven.” The 314-page report highlighted major flaws in the FA’s investigation, including reliance on in-house experts and questionable interpretations of evidence.
The FA has since confirmed it will not appeal the ruling, effectively ending the high-profile case.
Transfer Fallout
The investigation had huge consequences for Paquetá. His £80–85 million transfer to Manchester City collapsed in 2023, costing him a move that would have boosted both his wages and career profile.
West Ham, however, have confirmed they will not pursue legal action against the FA, stating that litigation between clubs and governing bodies is unhealthy for the sport.
Possible Lawsuit
Paquetá’s legal team are now exploring whether to sue the FA for damages. His potential claims could include:
- Lost wages and bonuses from the collapsed Man City deal
- Reimbursement of more than £1 million in legal costs
- Compensation for reputational and emotional damage