That's a Paqueta dosh wasted...well done, FA

AT first, the headline news from the final statement of the Independent Regulatory Commission that heard the Football Association's case against Lucas Paqueta would seem to be that the player was being sanctioned.

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Only as sanctions go, this one is as gentle a slap on the wrist as you could imagine.

For two proven instances of failing to comply during the FA's investigation into alleged breaches of gambling rules, Paqueta has been given "a reprimand and a warning as to future conduct".

In two interviews, Paqueta repeatedly gave 'no comment' answers.

The reprimand/warning sanction was the most lenient available to the commission after the two charges of failing to comply were proven.

But of greater significance in the commission's latest verdict was the decision to order the FA to pay 90 percent of the costs of the process.

When you consider the FA's own legal bills as well, the failed case against Paqueta is likely to cost the game's governing body around £1.5million.