Overview

• An independent commission reaffirmed that four spot‑fixing charges were not proven, judging the betting data inconsistent with a coordinated fix and more in line with tips circulating in Brazil.
• The FA confirmed it will not appeal the acquittal, while a separate sanctions hearing will set the penalty for two misconduct findings over failure to answer questions and provide information.
• Multiple outlets report an expected fine of about £150,000 for the misconduct breaches, though the precise sanction will be determined by the commission.
• The commission criticised the FA’s case as having an “obvious flaw” for relying on an in‑house betting investigator and questioned the independence of a performance witness, preferring evidence from David Moyes and Mark Clattenburg.
• Investigators found no betting references on Paquetá’s phones and recovered more than 300 deleted messages unrelated to fixing, as the panel also noted the FA did not pursue further questioning after the player later offered to respond; decisions on legal costs remain pending and the probe previously derailed a reported £85m move to Manchester City.