Kike Salas Facing Betting Scandal Allegations in Spain
Sevilla defender Kike Salas has been arrested amid allegations of intentionally earning yellow cards to help friends profit from bets.
Kike Salas in red Sevilla top. Sevilla defender Kike Salas investigated for match-fixing.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The 22-year-old was taken into custody by police in Seville on Tuesday, 14 January, but was later released without charge after exercising his right to remain silent.
Salas is still under investigation and will be summoned by an investigative judge for questioning. Under Spanish law and the regulations of the country’s football federation, he could face severe consequences, including a suspension of his football license for two to five years, a jail sentence ranging from six months to three years, and fines between €3,006 and €30,051.
Friends Win Thousands by Betting on Salas Yellow Cards
According to reports initially published by El Confidencial, Spanish police allege that two of Salas’s friends earned approximately €10,000 over the course of a month by betting on Salas receiving yellow cards. These bets were reportedly placed at six different bookmakers in Morón de la Frontera, Salas’s hometown, which is located 50 kilometres from Seville.
The investigation found that Salas was booked 10 times last season, with seven yellow cards issued in Sevilla’s final nine matches. This coincided with Sevilla securing safety in the league and having little left to play for. Salas participated in eight of these matches, missing one due to suspension, and was booked in five of the last six games.
The timing of the yellow cards includes incidents in minutes 94, 88, 94, 45 (+2), and 36. In a match against Granada during week 34, where no yellow card was issued, Salas left the game injured with 20 minutes remaining. Most of the yellow cards were given for fouls, with one resulting from a confrontation.
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Salas Back at Training After Arrest
Two other individuals have also been detained as part of the investigation, and police have seized Salas’s phone as evidence. Sevilla released a brief statement, affirming the club’s commitment to respecting the legal process and presumption of innocence while the case is ongoing. Despite the controversy, Salas returned to training on Wednesday morning.
La Liga, which only became aware of the allegations on Tuesday, has requested involvement in the case. The league maintains strict measures to combat match-fixing, with visible warnings posted at training facilities and stadiums and regular briefings reminding players that neither they nor their families are allowed to place football bets.
Salas recently extended his contract with Sevilla with an annual salary of €360,000.
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