West Ham United's Brazilian midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, has been slapped with a colossal £300,000 fine by the Football Association for multiple breaches of its strict betting regulations.
The charges stem from the player's actions during four separate Premier League fixtures, where he was found to have intentionally sought to receive yellow cards. The FA's independent regulatory commission concluded that Paqueta's actions were 'deliberate and premeditated'.
The Incidents Under Scrutiny
The specific matches identified in the FA's investigation include:
- A game against Leicester City on 12th November 2022
- A match versus Aston Villa on 12th March 2023
- A clash with Leeds United on 21st May 2023
- A season-opener against Bournemouth on 12th August 2023
In each instance, the commission found that Paqueta's actions in earning a booking were intentional, a serious violation designed to influence the betting market.
A Case That Shook Football
This ruling arrives after a protracted and complex investigation that cast a long shadow over the player's future. The most severe charge, that of 'spot-fixing', was notably not proven by the commission. They found no evidence that Paqueta was directly involved in placing bets or that he conspired with others to do so.
However, the sheer number of breaches—a staggering 125—meant a significant punishment was inevitable. The fine, one of the largest ever issued to a player for such offences, reflects the severity with which the FA views attempts to manipulate on-field events for betting purposes.
While the immediate financial penalty is severe, a major cloud remains. The FA has made it clear that this ruling does not preclude a future ban should similar evidence emerge. This leaves Paqueta's long-term career in English football on uncertain ground.
