Online Reporter
LONDON. – 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 Sun
