Paqueta can play on after a bets case with no winners

Midfielder declares victory but it has come at a heavy price

- RICHARD JOLLY SENIOR FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

The headline rather downplayed the significance of the news. “Lucas Paqueta update” was found on the FA website, a story ranked below “New clubs ready for FA Cup debuts”. Update? It could have been the end, given the existential threat to the Brazilian’s career. Indeed, until news broke last Friday that he was likely to be cleared, the expectation was that a lengthy – perhaps even lifetime – ban beckoned.

The FA’s language was rather dry; it was also different to Paqueta’s. The governing body described the allegations – that the West Ham midfielder had got booked deliberately in four different games, in instances of spot-fixing to influence the betting markets – as “not proven” rather than declaring him not guilty. They also said the regulatory commission had proved two breaches of Rule F3, relating to a failure to answer questions and provide information. A punishment will be determined in the future.

Paqueta, meanwhile, was more emphatic and emotional. “Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious allegations,” he said in a social media post. After two years in limbo, he could be forgiven for declaring victory.