The Brazil international received the yellow cards for West Ham in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023.

“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.” 

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This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.

There have been suggestions the Brazilian, who missed out on a move to Manchester City in 2023 as a result of the charges, could have grounds for a complaint against the FA following the ordeal. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “We would have to see what the written reasons say.

“I’d be very surprised if they said words to the effect that the FA should never have brought the case, so just having an outcome of not proven is not the same as criticising the FA for bringing the case or suggesting negligence on their part. 

“I suspect, therefore, that he has no claim and it’s simply a case that the FA could not prove to the necessary standard that he had committed these offences. 

“That’s unfortunate for him because he’s lost two years of his career with this hanging over him and he lost the opportunity to move to City, for example.

“So, I would say there is almost certainly no claim potential from either West Ham or the player.” 

Lucas Paqueta has spent the past three years at West Ham (Credit: Imago)

Football Insider revealed on 1 August Man City are readying a new move for Paqueta, two years after his previous transfer collapsed. 

An £85million release clause became active in June 2023, with Pep Guardiola‘s side ready to secure his signature at the time. 

West Ham rejected Man City’s opening offer worth £70million, but the club’s executives were then anticipating a second bid before the FA investigation scuppered the deal. 

Paqueta has featured heavily for the Hammers throughout pre-season as he remains a key figure at the London Stadium.

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