Article body analysed

Lucas Paqueta has scored 11 goals in 55 appearances for Brazil The Football Association is set to formally deliver its verdict in West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta's long-running spot-fixing case. Paqueta has been under investigation since August 2023 and was charged by the FA in May 2024 for allegedly getting booked deliberately "for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market". BBC Sport understands that the player and club have now been informed of the governing body's ruling in relation to those accusations, which related to matches during the 2022-23 and 23-24 Premier League seasons. Paqueta's hearing over the charges finished towards the end of April this year. One source with knowledge of the situation has told BBC Sport that the final ruling is largely in Paqueta's favour and that the Brazil international is effectively "in the clear". The FA has been seeking a lifetime ban for Paqueta but indications are that scenario has been avoided. It remains to be seen, however, if there is any level of punishment for Paqueta. BBC Sport has contacted West Ham, the FA and Paqueta's legal team but all have declined to comment. The four charges against him relate to a Premier League game against Leicester City on 12 November 2022, as well as 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on 12 March, Leeds United on 21 May and Bournemouth on 12 August. He was also charged with two counts of failing to cooperate with the FA's investigation after breaching "FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2", which relates to providing information and documents. The 27-year-old scored four goals in 33 Premier League appearances for West Ham during in 24-25. He was in tears after being booked against Tottenham in May, with his wife Maria Fournier saying in an Instagram post the same evening that they had "been living this nightmare for two years". After being charged by the FA last year, Paqueta had said he was "extremely surprised and upset" by the charges. "For nine months, I have co-operated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny all the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name, " he said. Paqueta joined the Hammers from Lyon for an initial £36. 5m in August 2022 and helped the club win the Europa Conference League during his debut season. Since 2014, FA rules have stated that anyone associated with a club in the top eight tiers of English football cannot bet on any aspect of the sport worldwide. 'Betting investigation has taken toll on Paqueta' West Ham 0-2 Leicester - 12 November 2022 Paqueta booked for a 'lunge' on Leicester midfielder Boubakary Soumare in the 60th minute. He is booked at 1-0 and the match finishes 2-0 to Leicester. West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa - 12 March 2023 Paqueta booked for what is described as a 'lunging challenge' on John Mc Ginn in the 70th minute, with the score at 1-1. West Ham 3-1 Leeds United - 21 May 2023 Paqueta is booked for pulling back Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville on the counter-attack in the 65th minute. It happens at 1-1, with West Ham going on to win 3-1. West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth - 12 August 2023 In the opening game of this season, Paqueta is booked for handball in the 94th minute, with the match finishing 1-1. Latest West Ham news, analysis and fan views Get West Ham news sent straight to your phone Catchin' Sachin - Joe's route to 15, 921 'Hungry Lions prepare to storm MCG on day they've dreamed of' Hey big spenders - Liverpool lead top-four domination of £1bn deals Robin Williams' life and career through ten crucial photographs Investigating the rise of medical conspiracy theories Film-maker Roger Ross Williams examines the American prison system Radio 4's multi award-winning ‘antidote to panel games’ Catchin' Sachin - Joe's route to 15, 921 Root reaches milestone as England punish India on day three. Video Root reaches milestone as England punish India on day three Hey big spenders - Liverpool lead top-four domination of £1bn deals How England can beat Spain in Euro 2025 final 'He's got no fear' - Australia pin hopes against Lions on powerhouse Valetini Champions and fearless youth - who's in England's World Cup squad? Drop James? Start Mead? How do England beat Spain? Video Drop James? Start Mead? How do England beat Spain? Tour de France route changed because of diseased cows Bonmati winner sends Spain to Euro 2025 final - highlights. Video Bonmati winner sends Spain to Euro 2025 final - highlights 'A win-win' - reaction in Barcelona to Rashford's arrival 'Greatest stadium on earth' - Lions set for debut at The 'G Is it time for injury replacements in Test cricket? Kelly's extra-time goal gives England victory over Italy Video Kelly's extra-time goal gives England victory over Italy Prem season to open with first Thursday night game Are Aston Martin dark horses to sign Verstappen? Harmanpreet and Goud star as India beat England to secure ODI series. Video Harmanpreet and Goud star as India beat England to secure ODI series 'Historic' football regulator bill becomes law - what it means for fans 'He did things-no one could do' - how 2005 Ashes 'reinvented' Flintoff. Video'He did things-no one could do' - how 2005 Ashes 'reinvented' Flintoff 'We felt like Premier League footballers' - Jones relives 2005 Ashes Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.