Lucas Paquetá is planning a legal claim against the FA for over £1 million to recover legal costs after being cleared of spot-fixing charges. The FA’s handling of the case has been criticized, and Paquetá’s legal team aims to capitalize on these flaws. West Ham has no plans to take legal action, and the FA will not appeal the verdict.
Lucas Paquetá, the West Ham midfielder, is preparing to file a legal claim against the Football Association (FA) seeking over £1 million in costs following his acquittal in the recent spot-fixing case. This development marks a significant turn in the saga that has surrounded the Brazilian player for the past two years.
Paquetá's legal team is reportedly focusing on recovering the substantial legal expenses incurred during the FA's investigation, which amounted to between £1 million and £1.5 million. While a lawsuit for lost earnings due to the collapsed £85 million transfer to Manchester City in the summer of 2023 is unlikely, the pursuit of legal cost recovery remains a priority.
The regulatory commission's 314-page report, which cleared Paquetá of spot-fixing allegations, has seemingly bolstered his case. The report highlighted several critical flaws in the FA's handling of the investigation, which Paquetá's legal team intends to use to strengthen their claim.
Key aspects of the FA's prosecution were described as "surprising," "concerning," and "contradictory" by the commission. The FA faced criticism for not enlisting an independent expert to evaluate the 253 suspicious bets placed on the four bookings the Brazilian was accused of manipulating. This omission forms a crucial part of Paquetá’s defense.
The legal team is expected to argue that these investigative shortcomings led to significant delays, causing considerable financial strain for both Paquetá and West Ham. The club had previously requested an expedited hearing after Paquetá was charged with four counts of spot-fixing in May 2024, but their request was denied, further exacerbating the costs. They will also insist that the FA cover the expenses incurred by the commission, which are anticipated to be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds, considering the case's length and complexity.
Adding to the FA's woes, the organization is already facing approximately £1 million in its legal expenses, which it cannot recoup. Should Paquetá's claim be successful, the total cost of the case for the FA could approach £3 million.
The commission is slated to make all cost-related decisions at a future hearing. This hearing will also address Paquetá's punishment for two less severe charges: failure to cooperate and share information with the FA. The outcome of this hearing could further impact the financial and professional repercussions for all parties involved.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, West Ham has no plans to initiate legal action against the FA. The FA, for its part, has stated that it will not appeal the commission's initial verdict, signaling a potential end to the extensive investigation and legal proceedings.
This case underscores the complexities and high stakes involved in sports regulation and the potential financial ramifications for both players and governing bodies when disputes arise. As the legal proceedings continue, the football world will be watching closely to see how the matter unfolds and what precedents it may set for future cases.