Over 1 million euros in court costs
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In 2023, Lucas Paquetá (28) had a market value of 65 million euros and was at the peak of his creativity. In the summer of that year, the attacking midfielder was on the verge of a move from West Ham United to Manchester City before he received a letter from the English Football Association that would have a major impact on his career. The FA investigated him over allegations of match-fixing in connection with sports betting.
“I probably would have signed for Man City the week I received the letter. Professionally speaking, I lost this transfer, a big step in my career,” the Brazilian told Globo Esporte. His services are said to have been worth around 90 million euros to Man City before they decided against the transfer due to the investigations that had been initiated. He was accused of deliberately provoking yellow cards on several occasions that acquaintances placed bets on. In July 2025 – after two years – he was acquitted.
The professional had been struggling with mental problems since the summer of 2023: “Psychologically speaking, that was the point at which I was most affected – by the fear of this uncertainty about my future, even though I knew who I was, what I was doing, what I had done.” Paquetá did not miss any competitive games due to the investigation and his form on the pitch continued to be strong. “But due to the circumstances of the investigation and the way the association handled everything, fear arose.”
Paquetá’s market value fell from 65 million to 28 million euros
The FA’s official accusation followed in May 2024. “I had psychological support to deal with all of this. But understanding why it all happened, that it was God’s work, being able to share a little of my encounter with him, being a witness of faith and resilience – that’s what I take from it, that was my victory.” Paquetá’s form declined, as did interest in him in the transfer market and in the 2024/25 season his market value fell from 65 million to 28 million euros.
Throughout all this time, West Ham, who signed him from Olympique Lyon for 43 million euros in 2022, stood behind him. Paquetá is under contract with the Londoners until 2027. Rumors persist that he would like to leave the Hammers in the coming winter transfer window – that’s what the Times writes. After he was acquitted, he only received a warning from the FA. The court costs incurred are said to amount to around 1.2 million euros, 90 percent of which will be paid by the English association.
“I’m happy, that fear is behind me. What they said would take three months took two years and I was able to prove my innocence, win this case and do what I love,” said Paquetá, who said he would speak out in full in the future about what he sees as the FA’s unfair approach. In the Premier League’s latest market value update, the Brazilian increased his market value to €35m – his first appreciation in two years.