Police in Spain have detained and questioned Sevilla footballer Kike Salas, on suspicion that he deliberately received yellow cards in La Liga games to help people known to him win money through bets.
A court in Morón de la Frontera (Andalusia), Salas’s hometown, questioned him regarding alleged fraud, as first reported by Spanish newspaper El Confidencial. The 22-year-old was later released.
According to reports, La Liga has also requested to join the case as a plaintiff. If proven guilty, the player could face a prison sentence ranging from six months to three years.
Salas, who joined Sevilla at just 11 years old, has made 54 appearances for the club and has earned two caps for Spain’s national U21 team. In December 2024, he signed a contract extension with Sevilla, which will see him remain with the team until the summer of 2029. Recently, the Italian club Lazio has shown interest in him, although no official offer has yet been made.
According to Spanish media, Salas allegedly conspired with two friends to purposely pick up yellow cards in official La Liga matches, enabling them to place bets with insider knowledge.
An investigation into his alleged misconduct is focusing on several matches from the end of the last season, during which Sevilla had nothing significant to play for.
During the 2023/24 season, Salas received 10 yellow cards, seven of which came in the final nine matches, making him the most booked player in La Liga during that period.
The case is reminiscent of Brazilian internationals Lucas Paquetá (West Ham) and Luiz Henrique (then of Real Betis), who were also accused of deliberately receiving yellow cards during the 2022/23 season.
🚨 NOTICIA sobre el caso Kike Salas
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) January 14, 2025
🙋♂️ LaLiga va a solicitar su personación como acusación
ℹ️ Desde @LaLiga recuerdan que todos los jugadores tienen la obligación de acudir a los talleres de integridad que imparte la propia Liga y donde dejan claro lo que se puede y no hacer… pic.twitter.com/NuC1t0qqsQ
Kike Salas has been arrested on suspicion of illegal bet-fixing. (El Confidencial) #SevillaFC #Lazio pic.twitter.com/sW5vc915Vf
— Football España (@footballespana_) January 14, 2025
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