Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of any wrongdoing after the West Ham United midfielder was charged with breaching FA rules surrounding spot-fixing. It comes almost two years after the FA launched an investigation into the Brazil international, with Paqueta adjudged to have fallen foul of FA Rules E5 and F3.
In a statement posted to the cliub’s website, West Ham said: “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.”
Whereas Paqueta himself added: “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.”
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