WEST HAM star Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of spot-fixing charges and has escaped a lifetime ban.
And the Brazilian star thanked the Hammers, his family and lawyers after he emerged from his two-year nightmare.
Paqueta, 27, said in a statement released by West Ham: “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.”
The FA confirmed an independent regulatory commission had found that the spot-fixing charges against Paqueta were not proven.
But the commission found the Brazilian guilty of two breaches of FA Rule F3 by failing to answer questions and to provide information to the investigation.
Paqueta is likely to be fined for those offences, but is now free of the shadow of the more serious charges that could have led to a long ban or even the end of his career.
The midfielder always denied any wrongdoing and is said to have suffered mental health problems during the long saga.
In a separate post on Instagram, the West Ham star quoted Book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament of the Bible, saying: “The enemies will come against us in one way, but in seven ways they will flee.”
The FA launched a probe in August 2023 which wrecked Paqueta’s dream of an £85million move to Manchester City.
In May 2024, he was charged with four spot-fixing offences. Investigators alleged he had deliberately got himself booked against Leicester in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds in May 2023 and Bournemouth in August 2024 to help others win bets on him being shown a yellow card.
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.”
West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady said: “We are pleased Lucas has been cleared. He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and as a club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process.
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the club, always giving everything.
“It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham United.”
Paqueta could yet be sold by the Hammers this summer, with former club Flamengo among those interested.
He is believed to be considering legal action against the FA, in addition to trying to recover his £1m costs.
Alastair Campbell, Partner at Level and head of Paqueta’s legal team, said: “Few cases carry the gravity of this one – professionally, personally and emotionally for our client.
“Lucas has faced down immense pressure with remarkable strength and resilience.
“Level is delighted that we’ve been able to help demonstrate that Lucas’ integrity as a player and a person is in no doubt.
“Now, he can finally get back to focusing on the things that matter most to him – playing football and being with his family.”
Paqueta already appeared to have the weight lifted from his shoulders in West Ham’s 2-1 pre-season win over Everton.
He poked home the Hammers’ equaliser during the Premier League Summer Series clash, after a blunder by Everton keeper Mark Travers.
The former Lyon man celebrated the goal, pointing up to the sky and shared a picture of the moment on Instagram with the caption “God” and a love heart emoji.
His manager Graham Potter said: “It was nice for him to score. That’s part of what we’d like him to do more of.
“He’s obviously got his talents there but it’s about how he can influence the game more.
“Going back to last year, you have to be fair to Lucas and say he was dealing with a lot.
“It’s not easy to make a fair assessment of Lucas’ performance when he’s had to deal with what he’s had to deal with.
“But part of his game we can improve on is his goals and assists.
“In that respect, it’s nice for him to score. It’s a bit of luck from our perspective, but still, it’s important for him to score.”
And Paqueta’s team-mates were thrilled to see him back in scoring mode.
Scottish midfielder Andy Irving said: “Lucas is a fantastic player and a great character in and around the dressing room, always has been.
“If anything, he’s going to be in a much more positive place going forward and that’s good for everyone.
“The talent’s great. He wouldn’t be playing for Brazil, he wouldn’t have had other massive clubs wanting him.
“Everyone’s aware of his talent and ability. He’s been showing that for however long he’s been at West Ham.
“And he’s been fantastic throughout this pre-season as well. So we’re lucky to have him.”
West Ham have signed defenders Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.
The club has also made the loan signing of Jean-Clair Todibo permanent.
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