Overview
- The independent commission published detailed reasons that labeled the FA’s reliance on an in‑house betting investigator an “obvious flaw” and questioned the independence and approach of its performance analysis.
- Betting data cited by the FA — 253 bettors staking about £47,000 for roughly £167,000 in profit — was deemed inconsistent with a spot‑fix and more plausibly linked to informal ‘hot tips’.
- The FA confirmed it will not appeal the decision clearing Lucas Paquetá of four spot‑fixing charges, leaving only sanctions for two proven non‑cooperation breaches to be determined.
- Media reports indicate a likely six‑figure fine rather than a playing ban at the forthcoming sanctions hearing, which will also address who bears substantial legal costs.
- Paquetá is preparing a legal claim to recover more than £1m in fees, while West Ham are not pursuing damages over the collapsed £80–85m transfer to Manchester City.