Credit: Imago
Wed 3 September 2025 17:26, UK
Lucas Paqueta finally reached the end of his legal battle with the FA in the summer.
Paqueta was cleared of any alleged betting breaches at West Ham in July after many years up against the Football Association’s allegations.
Despite the issues surrounding this case, West Ham continued to back Paqueta regardless of his drop-off in performance level.
That looks likely to have paid off now, with Paqueta scoring a penalty against Nottingham Forest as Graham Potter’s side finally secured a win this season away from the London Stadium.
With that being said, a final report has now been shared, something which hasn’t been looked upon favourably by Paqueta’s legal representative, Nick De Marco.
Credit: ImagoNick De Marco hits out at Lucas Paqueta case document
It is fair to say that this case has taken a sizable toll on the Brazil international and everyone associated with the Irons over the last two years.
As a result, it was music to everyone in East London to learn of the attacking midfielder’s innocence against the sizable allegations.
Despite the positivity of the verdict, this process has scuppered Paqueta’s move from West Ham to Manchester City, something which can’t be overlooked.
As frustrating as this is, it is clear that the Brazilian’s lawyer is more concerned about the verdict and the 314-page document that the FA released on 3 September.
De Marco has shared his delight at the result, but has made it clear via X that he won’t be commenting on the decision any further.
He said: “The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons in the Paquetá case have now been published.
“Running to over 300 pages, the decision is understood to be the longest sports-related judgment ever issued in the world – a reflection of how serious the case was, the amount of evidence deployed in what was the biggest case in The FA’s history, and one of the most momentous in my own career as a sports lawyer.
“It is a careful, forensic decision which I encourage anyone interested to read in full.
“I remain delighted for my client Lucas, cleared of all the serious charges of spot-fixing, grateful to the whole legal team, especially counsel Kendrah Potts and solicitor Alastair Campbell of Level, and also to the Regulatory Commission itself for its thorough, careful and fair determination of what was a difficult case for all involved.
“I shall not be making any further comment at this stage – the decision speaks for itself.”
FA v Lucas Paquetá – written reasons published: https://t.co/sVhXQOyvJh
The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons in the Paquetá case have now been published.
Running to over 300 pages, the decision is understood to be the longest sports-related judgment ever… pic.twitter.com/NSIGmpOagD
— Nick De Marco KC (@nickdemarco_) September 3, 2025
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Lucas Paqueta can now focus on West Ham
If his performance and passion is anything to go by, the Irons could be set for an exciting season with the former Lyon man in the number 10 role.
Stat vs Nottingham ForestLucas PaquetaGoals1Shots3Chances created2Successful dribbles 3Duels won11Defensive actions7Lucas Paqueta shone for West Ham vs Nottingham Forest
After such a dismal beginning to the campaign, the decision of the trial and the result against Nottingham Forest could represent some light at the end of the tunnel.
It will certainly be interesting to see how the rest of the campaign goes for the Brazilian, but it is safe to say that he will have the total backing of the claret and blue faithful.
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