West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission - almost two years after the Football Association launched an investigation into him.

The FA started their investigation in August 2023 and the Brazil international was charged in May last year for allegedly getting booked deliberately "for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market".

Paqueta was facing the prospect of a lifetime ban if the 27-year-old was found guilty.

I think he’s guilty but glad he got found innocent. Too good a player to be banned for something so ridiculous

What is spot fixing?

14 minutes ago, Steve201 said:

What is spot fixing?

(in sport) the action or practice of dishonestly determining the outcome of a specific part of a match or game before it is played.

Sunderland have announced that head coach Regis Le Bris has signed a new long-term contract at the Stadium of Light.

The Frenchman has committed his future to Wearside until summer 2028.

He said: “The connection I have with the staff, players, and supporters has been natural, and we shared many great moments together.

"The collective ambition is there to see and now, there is a desire to become stronger. I can feel the energy and intent to push forward, and we need that in the next challenges we will face.

Aston Villa have confirmed Lucas Digne has signed a new deal at the club. 

The new contract will see Digne remain at Villa Park until 2028.

Digne made 45 appearances across all competitions for Villa last season, where he recorded six assists.

Ethan Nwaneri has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

The exact length of the 18-year-old midfielder's deal has not been disclosed.

England U21 international Nwaneri became the youngest midfielder in Premier League history when he made his Gunners debut in 2022.

"Signing this contract means everything to me," he told the club website. "I see this as my first real season in men’s senior football, as part of the squad in the changing room. 

Are Chelsea going to have that world champions badge on their top all season?