Lucas Paquetá Considering Legal Action Against FA After Spot-Fixing Case Collapse

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá is weighing up legal action against the Football Association (FA) after being cleared of spot-fixing charges.

The 28-year-old Brazilian was charged by the FA in May 2024, accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards to influence betting markets. However, an independent commission dismissed all four counts in July 2025.

Written reasons published this week questioned the FA’s handling of the case, particularly its decision not to use independent experts when assessing betting data central to the allegations.

Paquetá’s legal team is now “considering all options”, including suing the FA.

The investigation, which began in August 2023, had major consequences for both player and club. Paquetá’s proposed £80m move to Manchester City collapsed following the FA’s announcement of the probe. The commission also noted that West Ham and Paquetá may have lost out on “substantial sums running into the tens of millions of pounds”.

Both Paquetá and West Ham have reserved their legal rights. The FA has confirmed it will not appeal the commission’s decision and has been contacted for comment.