The 27-year-old, who joined the Hammers in 2022 for a hefty 50 million pounds plus add-ons, faced a potential career-ending ban but can now look forward to a fresh start.

Paqueta's journey at West Ham has been a rollercoaster. In the 2023/24 season, he dazzled with 10 goal involvements in the Premier League and played a pivotal role in their Europa Conference League triumph, earning a spot in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.

His stellar form attracted an 85-million-pound move to Manchester City, but the deal collapsed when the FA charged him with breaching betting rules in May 2024.

The allegations centered on four yellow cards Paqueta received across matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023, with suspicions that individuals in Brazil profited from bets on these bookings.

The FA claimed Paqueta intentionally sought cards to manipulate betting markets, a charge that could have led to a lifetime ban. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Paqueta maintained his innocence throughout.

In October 2024, he expressed frustration over leaks that he believed jeopardized his chance for a fair hearing, stating, "The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing. I have instructed my lawyers to request that the FA conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case is finding its way into the public domain.

"I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence."

The investigation, which began in August 2023, dragged on for nearly two years, casting a shadow over Paqueta's career. His form dipped in the 2024/25 season, with only five goals and no assists, a stark contrast to his earlier brilliance.

West Ham stood by their star, but the uncertainty took a toll, with manager Graham Potter publicly calling for a swift resolution to allow the club to plan their future.

Now, according to The Times, an independent regulatory commission has cleared Paqueta of the spot-fixing charges, with an official announcement expected soon.

This decision marks a significant victory for the midfielder, who avoided the severe punishment the FA initially sought. The FA may now face covering Paqueta's legal fees, estimated at around 1 million pounds, a costly outcome for the governing body.

West Ham now face a critical decision: keep Paqueta to rebuild his form under new manager Julen Lopetegui or cash in on their 150,000-pounds-a-week star. Posts on X suggest the Hammers are open to selling, with interest from Saudi clubs and Brazilian sides, notably Paqueta's boyhood club Flamengo, where he has hinted he'd love to return.

For Paqueta, the clearance is a chance to reclaim his spark. For West Ham, it's a moment to weigh their options as they navigate a pivotal transfer window. The saga that cost them an 85-million-pound windfall may yet yield a profit, but retaining their "unbelievable" talent could be the smarter play for a club aiming to climb the Premier League table.

WAFCON: Banyana Banyana go down on penalties as Ghana claim bronze medal