Lucas Paqueta has finally been exonerated from the gambling charges that have overshadowed his career for the past two years. However, the solicitor who led the Brazilian's legal defence believes the ordeal may have cost him a Premier League title. Paqueta, aged 27, was on the cusp of an £85million transfer from West Ham to Manchester City when he became embroiled in an FA investigation over allegations of intentional bookings in four separate matches as part of a spot-fixing scheme.
An independent commission concluded this week that the FA had not substantiated their claims, although they did find Paqueta guilty of two counts of failing to comply with the investigation process. Alastair Campbell, a partner at Level law firm, disclosed the significant impact the case has had on Paqueta, despite his eventual vindication. Campbell remarked: "Lucas' life has basically been on hold for the last two years.
"He woke up every morning with the fear that this could be the day when his career was going to be over. Of course, Lucas is delighted with the outcome of the commission - but what shouldn't be forgotten is that there is an alternative universe where he moves to Manchester City and now has a Premier League winner's medal.
"The strain he has been under since the charges were announced in August 2023 has been incredible. That's something that shouldn't be forgotten in all of this. This case has come at a considerable cost to Lucas, both as a person and as a professional footballer."
Paqueta's legal team are awaiting the commission's detailed verdict to decide whether to challenge the ruling that he failed to co-operate sufficiently with investigators. He could even take the FA to court for compensation.
Yet, Campbell acknowledges the FA's obligation to ensure the sport remains untainted. He commented: "I've seen suggestions that it's embarrassing for the FA, but I don't agree with that because their role as a regulator means they have to bring charges if they feel there's a case to answer.
"Lucas has now answered those charges and I am sure the FA's legal team will take some valuable lessons from this because that's what good lawyers do. The integrity of sport is paramount.
"We have to believe that what we are seeing on the pitch is genuine, so all governing bodies must monitor this kind of thing. The charges brought against Lucas were incredibly serious and that brings a requirement for real care to be taken.
"The sheer scale of evidence and information from both sides has been massive. That's why this has taken two years. Lucas was very emotional when I told him about the decision.
"To have this hanging over his head, knowing in his heart that he hadn't done what he was accused of, was sometimes too much to bear. For him to continue performing in front of tens of thousands of fans weekly is nothing short of extraordinary.
"Given that mental strength, I think he will get past this issue pretty quickly and get back to being the fantastic player he is."
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