The FA have released a statement on whether they intend to launch a new spot-fixing case against West Ham star Lucas Paqueta and confirm plans to punish the Brazilian over two other breaches.
Lucas Paqueta has been playing like a man with a huge weight lifted from his shoulders of late.
The Brazilian magnifico has started the season in fine form for West Ham, scoring three goals and putting in a man of the match display in the 3-0 victory against Forest.
That game came amid intense speculation Paqueta may refuse to play for the Hammers at the City Ground amid claims from Fabrizio Romano that he wanted to join Aston Villa.
In the end Paqueta played, stayed and marked himself out for hero status with a celebration aimed at Romano in which he threw away a phone and kissed the West Ham badge in front of the travelling fans.
FA have right to appeal Paqueta verdict
It is a world away from the head space Paqueta was in just over a month ago.
The 28-year-old was facing the possibility of a lifetime ban after being charged on four counts of spot-fixing.
It was alleged Paqueta was deliberately booked on four occasions for West Ham so as to illegally influence betting markets.
Paqueta also faced two other charges in relation to providing evidence and complying with the FA investigation.
After two long years, Paqueta was absolved of any blame and was freed to continue his career.
That reignited speculation Paqueta could be sold with West Ham confirming interest from the likes of Aston Villa, Spurs and Saudi clubs.
He is very much staying at West Ham, though, and has proved just how much his team are going to need him this season.
What many West Ham fans perhaps didn’t appreciate, though, was the Football Association’s right to appeal the independent panel’s verdict.
Now the FA has announced its decision on a new spot-fixing case against West Ham star Paqueta in a full statement.
FA announce decision on new spot-fixing case against Paqueta
Many Hammers supporters may not have appreciated that the FA could appeal the case and push for a new hearing.
But that course of action has been very much open to them.
Now the FA has confirmed whether they will be taking it up.
A full statement has now been published, clarifying their stance and what it means for both the Brazilian and the Hammers moving forward.
The full written reasons for the original verdict have also been published and form part of a 314-page document.
Joy for West Ham as FA won’t appeal spot-fixing decision
The good news for West Ham and Paqueta is that English football’s governing body will not be appealing the decision, although they have confirmed he will be punished on two separate charges.
“The written reasons for the independent Regulatory Commission’s decisions on the misconduct charges against West Ham United FC’s Lucas Paqueta have now been published,” the FA said in a statement sent to the press.
“The FA will not be appealing against the alleged breaches of FA Rule E5 that were found not proven by the Regulatory Commission.
“The Regulatory Commission will decide an appropriate sanction for the breaches of FA Rule F3 that were found proven and the details will be published at the earliest opportunity.
“The FA is committed to ensuring that the integrity of football is maintained, and full and thorough investigations will always be conducted into serious allegations of rule breaches.”
That means Paqueta will be able to truly play on for West Ham with a completely clear mind now.
Hammers News understands any punishment on the two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2 will be financial.
And with Paqueta West Ham’s joint highest-paid player ever on £150k per week, that should not be too much of an issue.
The charges Paqueta will face punishment for as outlined below:
Lucas Paqueta charges: What are FA Rule F2 and F3
- FA Rule F2: This rule allows the FA to require any participant (player, coach, club official, etc.) to attend, answer questions, provide documents, information, or other materials, upon reasonable notice.
- FA Rule F3:This rule defines misconduct as a breach, including failing to comply with a requirement under FA Rule F2
