In a shocking revelation this evening, The Times has reported that Lucas Paquetá and West Ham United are considering legal action against the Football Association—with the fallout from his collapsed move to Manchester City now potentially heading to court.
The Brazilian playmaker was on the brink of a blockbuster £80 million switch to Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side in 2023 when the FA launched an investigation into alleged betting irregularities involving Paquetá receiving yellow cards. That move immediately broke down—robbing the player of a career-defining transfer and denying West Ham a huge payday.
But now that Paquetá has been cleared of all spot-fixing charges, questions are being asked—loudly.
Paqueta wipes tears from his eyes during the Spurs game
Damning report for FA
A damning 314-page report published today week by the independent Regulatory Commission not only cleared the Hammers star but also heavily criticised the FA’s handling of the case.
The report slammed the governing body for failing to produce any independent assessment of the betting data, calling it an “obvious flaw”. It’s now emerging that both Paquetá and West Ham are seeking legal advice, exploring the possibility of suing the FA for damages—including reputational harm and lost earnings.
Let’s be clear—this wasn’t just about football. Paquetá’s mental health, international career, and financial future were all thrown into chaos by an investigation that now appears to have lacked sufficient rigour from the outset.
If West Ham do back their man in a court battle, few fans would argue. The club lost out on £80 million. Paquetá lost his dream move. And the FA? Well, they may have just landed themselves in serious hot water.
Watch this space. This story is far from over it seems.
Don’t think so, Andy. The last thing that anybody wants.
The club also lost out on signing Cole Palmer as part of the same deal, a player who himself is now probably worth 80/100M. That must surely also be taken into consideration.
Hope they sue and win , the FA are a joke
Either the FA were grossly incompetent or they purposefully damaged Westham and Paqueta . So was the plan to wipe out Westham just as they were threatening the big six ? Let’s check the FA members accounts to see who’s been naughty .
Think the truth should be the winner, West Ham and Paqueta seem to hold the trump cards and both lost a lot because of their accusations. Sue away.
I agree 100 %
But be careful the bar stewards will be eyeing us like hawks. One little thing , anything wrong anywhere and they’ll have points off of us
It was obvious from early on that they knew they had messed up which is why it took so long to get dropped.
The FA was searching for something that wasn’t there and in the process damaged everyone involved, I felt sorry for Paqueta from the start of all this b.s and it was clear to see it was having a huge impact on him when his form dropped off the chart even though he was putting what he could of himself out there for us.
That game against spurs when he broke into tears showed us all just how much it was hitting him and the FA need to acknowledge how much damage they caused to both Paqueta and West Ham.
PAQUETA – Dream move to Man City, financial losses, damage to his career performance, mental health and his reputation
WEST HAM – Loss of profitable sale, loss of player swap, loss of potential European football, loss in league place due to a knock on with performance.
Personally I would like to see those who brought these accusations forward sacked with a very public apology.
Both player and club should be heavily compensated
I thought a previous C&H article said West Ham aren’t allowed to sue the FA under league rules, I considered that strange at the time and hopefully we can sue their butts off
I hope they do sue It was a considerable strain on his game and as supporters we all suffered
it’s easy to see the difference now the cloud has lifted
As for WHU they lost a considerable amount of money which would have seen us be able to buy some decent players instead of worrying about the stupid rule and regulations My only worry is that the FA being the A Holes they are will find more and more ways to fine us
Was there smoke without fire
I am right behind you
I think the FA need to be sued
The whole case has been a witch hunt on a innocent player
The shattered a dream move for him and a massive transfer fee for West Ham and lost achievements for Paqueta and also seriously damaged his and his family’s health and well being
It has been horrific in the way it has been handled and the time it has been hanging over his head and now after clearing him they have the cheek to say they are going to fine him
What about all his lost revenue
I hope they take you the FA to the cleaners
It was nice that Paqueta has shown some loyalty to the club and the fans who have always supported him
Seems like an obvious course of action. Clearly their legal department are on standby for this, hence why it took so long to release the verdict…
Good though if they go ahead they will likely be two separate cases one for the club and the other for the player both who have been harmed, the FA should settle both out of court but who knows with their arrogance.