West Ham respond to Lucas Paqueta punishment decision over two proven breaches of FA rules

West Ham UnitedmidfielderLucas Paqueta has been sanctioned for breaching FA regulations and issued with a warning following two proven violations. Back in July, Paqueta was cleared of betting-related charges after a two-year probe into claims he intentionally picked up yellow cards across four separate Premier League matches.

The FA announced in September that they would not be challenging those verdicts, which the Regulatory Commission determined were not proven. Nevertheless, two violations of FA Rule F3, which are considerably less serious charges relating to non-cooperation with an investigation, were established against Paqueta.

According to the Regulatory Commission's statement, the Brazilian offered "no comment" responses to most questions during two FA interviews. The governing body issued a statementregarding his Rule F3 breaches.

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The FA said: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned West Ham United FC's Lucas Paqueta for two proven breaches of FA Rule F3.

"The player denied two charges of failing to comply with a requirement to answer questions and provide information to The FA's investigation into breaches of the Rules. However, both breaches of FA Rule F3 were found proven following a hearing.

"The Regulatory Commission has imposed a reprimand and a warning as to future conduct on Lucas Paqueta, and its written reasons for this decision can be read below."

West Ham United also issued their own statement following the FA's announcement. The club stated: "West Ham United acknowledges the statement published by the Football Association today, confirming that Lucas Paquetá has received a warning as to his future conduct, following two proven breaches of FA rule F3, after he was cleared of misconduct charges made against him for alleged breaches of FA rule E5.

"West Ham United and Lucas Paquetá are pleased that this matter is now finally closed. The Club will be making no further comment."

Within documents outlining Paquetá's charges, the regulatory commission noted: "We recorded in the Liability Decision that at the interviews on 11 September 2023 and 10 November 2023 the Player attended and, for a large part of those interviews his stance, on legal advice, was to answer 'no comment' to the questions posed."

The commission added: "We accept that the Player was acting on advice at all times but, nevertheless, as a Participant he has an obligation to respect and abide by the Regulations," whilst acknowledging any "sanction would be at the lower end of the scale," most probably "a reprimand, coupled with a warning as to future conduct."

In August 2023, the FA initiated an investigation into the South American footballer, alleging his involvement in spot-fixing offences across four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023.

It was never suggested that he had placed any bets himself, but it was alleged that his actions had benefitted friends and family in Brazil, who had wagered on him receiving a yellow card.

Should the verdict have been against him, he could have faced a lifetime ban. However, upon being cleared of these charges, he issued a personal statement: "Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.

"I can't say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face. To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, to the fans who always cheered me on, and to my family, friends and the legal team who have supported me - thank you for everything."

Paqueta is expected to feature for West Ham on Sunday when they host Newcastle at the London Stadium.