‘The press coverage is misleading’ – Stefan Borson drops Lucas Paqueta verdict after ‘surprising’ claim
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta was right to face an investigation after a new update has emerged in his legal battle.
It was confirmed in July Paqueta has been cleared of his spot-fixing charges after an independent regulatory commission found them to be “not proven” following a hearing between March and May this year.
The 28-year-old was accused of picking up four bookings for the purpose of financial gain after being charged by the FA in May 2024.
The FA announced on 3 September it will not be appealing the verdict after the written reasons for the commission’s decision have been published.
However, Paqueta will receive a sanction after two counts of failing to co-operate with the investigation were proven, but that is only expected to lead to a fine.
Lucas Paqueta considering new legal action
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
The commission’s judgement revealed it found aspects of the FA’s case against Paqueta “surprising” and “concerning”, while the panel called into question the governing body’s decision to not seek independent expertise on betting data.
The Times reported on 3 September Paqueta and West Ham are considering legal action against the FA for damages over his collapsed move to Manchester City in 2023.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “It’s interesting because I think a lot of the press coverage is misleading in terms of the case.
“I don’t think it’s quite as straightforward as has been set out, and also it wasn’t the case that the commission said that there was no case to answer or that it was a completely frivolous investigation.
“That’s not what it was. It was an investigation by the FA, and it was a very serious and complex case.
“In fact, Paqueta’s lawyer was on the radio last week explaining that the claim wasn’t spurious, it was complex, and I think he more or less said the allegations did need to be answered, so that’s fine.
“I don’t think there should be too much criticism of the fact that it was taken to a prosecution.”
West Ham make Lucas Paqueta transfer decision
Paqueta was linked with Man City again this summer after being cleared of the charges.
However, the Brazil international remained at the London Stadium after Graham Potter made it clear he’s an integral member of his side.
Paqueta scored from the penalty spot in West Ham’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on 31 August.
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