West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has broken his silence after being cleared of FA spot-fixing charges.

Mail Sport broke the story of the FA’s probe back in August 2023 when it was suspected that he had been purposefully picking up yellow cards in order to influence betting markets. 

The 27-year-old was accused of deliberately getting booked in four Premier League games, against Leicester in 2022, and Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth the following year.

However, the FA said there were ‘two breaches of FA Rule F3 in relation to alleged failures to comply with his obligations to answer questions and provide information’ that he could still face punishment for.

After being cleared of the major charge Paqueta thanked those who had supported him throughout the two-year investigation. 

Lucas Paqueta thanked West Ham fans for their support after being cleared of spot-fixing charges

Paqueta posted this picture of him with his wife Maria Fournier alongside a 120-word caption

The Brazilian was accused of intentionally being booked in four Premier League games during the 2022-23 season

‘The enemy will come against us one way, but they will flee seven ways.’ Paqueta wrote on Instagram.

‘Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.

‘I can’t say anything more now, but I also can’t 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, to the fans who always cheered me on, to Fernando Malta and my legal team at Level (Alastair Campbell, Jonathan Hyman, Dan Lowen), Nick De Marco KC, and Kendrah Potts—thank you for everything.

‘ALL GLORY AND HONOR BE TO GOD! A COMPLETE WORK’

Paqueta’s lawyer Nick De Marco KC took to social media to insist that he is ‘delighted’ that the ‘correct verdict was reached’, and called the case one of the most important that he has ever worked on.

He wrote on X: ‘I cannot say how happy I was to receive the news that all the spot fixing charges against Lucas Paquetá have been dismissed after a long 2 years. 

‘Having got to know Lucas during the process, and spent much time with the evidence, I am delighted the correct verdict has been reached. 

Paqueta, who always denied the charges, could have faced a lifetime ban from football if found guilty

West Ham are reportedly prepared to allow Paqueta to leave this summer for a fee of around £30million

‘Doing a case for an individual, especially one as dedicated and talented as Lucas, whose whole career and life depends on the outcome, can be very stressful at times. But when the final result is the right one it makes it all worthwhile. 

‘That’s why for me this is probably one of the most important cases I have ever worked on, and one I shall never forget. 

‘I’m very grateful for the patience of the Regulatory Commission and the support of my great legal team, especially barrister Kendrah Potts and solicitor Alastair Campbell from Level, as well as the unwavering support of West Ham United throughout, and of course to Lucas and his advisers, for their trust. 

‘We await reading the written reasons when they are published, and apart from sharing my happiness and thanks, I can’t comment any further.’

Paqueta has been a key player for West Ham since joining the club from Lyon in 2022 for a club-record £51million.

His performances at the London Stadium led to interest from Manchester City before an £80m move collapsed after West Ham informed Pep Guardiola’s side that he was being investigated due to suspicious betting patterns.

The Hammers are now willing to sanction an exit for Paqueta at a fee of around £30m and Brazilian side Flamengo – where the midfielder made his senior debut in 2016 – are among those interested.