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The Football Association has confirmed it will not appeal an independent Regulatory Commission’s ruling that cleared West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá of four spot-fixing charges. The written reasons for the commission’s decision were released on Wednesday, bringing to light both the flaws in the FA’s investigation and the impact on the Brazilian’s career.
Paquetá still faces sanctions over two lesser charges for failing to cooperate fully with the FA investigation, but the commission will decide on punishment at a later date.
In its statement, the FA stressed: “The FA is committed to ensuring that the integrity of football is maintained, and full and thorough investigations will always be conducted into serious allegations of rule breaches.”
Despite being cleared, Paquetá is preparing a legal claim against the FA to recover more than £1m in legal costs, though he is not expected to pursue damages for the collapse of his proposed £85m move to Manchester City in 2023.
His lawyer, Alastair Campbell of Level, said: “Lucas is a deeply religious man, absolutely dedicated to his wife and young children. The evidence not only showed he has no interest in gambling whatsoever, but confirmed that his integrity as both a player and a person is beyond doubt."
“With this case no longer hanging over him, he can stop speaking to lawyers and focus fully on what matters most: faith, family and football. We are still making submissions in relation to the non-cooperation charge. But in a case where his entire career was at risk, Lucas is unquestionably the successful party. It’s fantastic to see him playing so well without this burden – he has his mojo back.”
Campbell also confirmed Paquetá may yet sue the FA over the fallout of the failed transfer. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s something we’re talking to Lucas about and it’s under consideration. He wants to focus on his football now. He’s spent enough time talking to lawyers. We don’t know for sure what’s on the cards at the moment."
“I would advise him to think seriously about that (suing the FA) as an option. What he’s lost is immeasurable in financial terms. If you look at where his career could have gone, how close he was to moving to Manchester City, who then went on to win the Premier League that year, that is a very considerable loss to him, so he will think about it closely.”
The commission’s 314-page report criticised “flaws” in the FA’s handling of the case, describing parts of the prosecution as “surprising”, “concerning” and “contradictory.” With the governing body unable to recover its own £1m legal bill, total costs could rise to nearly £3m if Paquetá’s claim is successful.
West Ham have no plans to pursue their own legal action, while the FA confirmed it will not contest the commission’s findings.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @lucaspaqueta, Unsplash / Samuel Regan-Asante
