Westham:  Paqueta cleared of match-fixing, but faces FA fine for lack of cooperation

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of serious match-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission after a two-year FA investigation. The Brazilian was accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards to aid a betting ring, allegations he consistently denied.

The ruling removes the threat of a potential lifetime ban. However, the 28-year-old is not fully in the clear.

According to reports, the FA is now pursuing a separate charge that Paqueta failed to fully cooperate with their investigation, specifically by allegedly withholding information.

For this breach, he could face a substantial fine of around £150,000. A final decision is pending as the FA is also expected to publish the written reasons for clearing him this week.

In a further twist, the governing body could be liable to cover his legal costs, estimated to exceed £1 million.