FA must be having a laugh as further Lucas Paqueta announcement made
The Football Association (FA) have finally brought an official end to their charges against West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
The FA’s investigation began in 2023 after Paqueta had received a yellow card in a Premier League clash against Leicester City in the previous year.
The Brazilian had looked set to join Manchester City, but news of the accusations saw the move collapse, with the 28-year-old later officially charged with deliberately getting booked for the purpose of affecting the betting market.
Paqueta was finally cleared of the betting charges at the end of July, bringing an end to a process that had lasted almost two years and had affected the midfielder greatly.
Paqueta could sue the FA for damages following the result, but it is more likely that the 28-year-old puts the saga behind him and focuses on his career.
FA make further Lucas Paqueta announcement
In addition to the betting accusations, Paqueta was also hit by the FA with two charges of failing to comply with a requirement to answer questions and provide information to the FA’s investigation.
And after a hearing, an independent regulatory commission has found the charges proven, and sanctioned the Brazilian with a reprimand and a warning as to future conduct.
The costs incurred by the regulatory commission were also a topic of the hearing with the FA arguing that Paqueta should bear a proportion.
Chair of the commission, His Honour Phillip Sycamore CBE, wrote in his judgement: “We have concluded that it is appropriate to direct that the costs of the Commission are to be paid in full and apportioned between the parties with 90 per cent payable by the FA and 10 per cent by the player.”
West Ham responded to the statement with one of their own which said it is pleased the matter has now been closed.
The fact that the FA proceeded with the matter further is rather laughable given just how poorly their case was put together.
Costs to Paqueta and West Ham vastly outweigh commission fees
Paqueta and his team will be happy to have scored one final victory over the FA, but in truth, the damage done to his career can never be repaid.
The midfielder had been at the top of his game when the investigation emerged, and may well have won the Premier League with Manchester City.
West Ham, too, while losing a great talent, would have made £30million of profit on a player they had bought just 12 months ago.
| Lucas Paqueta | Premier League 2022-23 |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 32 |
| Successful dribbles | 35 |
| Duels won | 172 |
Two years on, they stand to make a loss on the 28-year-old, who has never rediscovered the form he showed before the FA announced their charges.
Unfortunately, such is the cruel reality of what has happened, Paqueta now faces a job to rebuild his career, and save West Ham from relegation.
For the FA, a two-year investigation has ultimately resulted in no material punishment for the accusation they made, with only 10 per cent of costs to show for their allegations.
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