Lucas Paqueta has been cleared to play for West Ham United in the Premier League next season - despite still being under investigation by the FA regarding illegal betting patterns.
The Brazilian international had feared his career was about to be curtailed while the game's governing body continues to investigate the case, which saw Paqueta hit with multiple charges of misconduct back in May.However the FA have confirmed the player - who celebrates his 27th birthday later this month - will be eligible to feature until such time as a conclusion is reached.
And with the case set to rumble on for several more months, that could leave Paqueta free to represent West Ham for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign, which begins in a fortnight's time.
"The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022, Aston Villa on 12 March 2023, Leeds United on 21 May 2023 and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023," read an FA statement regarding the charges.
"It’s alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting."
Paqueta has consistently denied any suggestion of wrongdoing. "I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name," he said during a recent statement.
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