Kike Salas, a defender for Sevilla FC, has been arrested over allegations of involvement in a sports betting scandal. The Spanish footballer is accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards to influence betting outcomes.
Suspicious Yellow Cards Raise Eyebrows
Salas, who received 10 yellow cards last season, saw seven of these bookings occur during the final nine matches. The unusual timing and frequency of these yellow cards, including three late-game bookings, raised suspicions and led to the current investigation.
🇪🇸 | AHORA: Detenido el jugador del Sevilla Kike Salas por forzar presuntamente tarjetas amarillas para apuestas ilegales. pic.twitter.com/pMzk1hgOZ0
— Alerta News 24 (@AlertaNews24) January 14, 2025
Authorities Investigate Allegations
According to Spanish outlet El Confidencial, Salas allegedly collaborated with at least two accomplices to profit from these incidents. If found guilty, Salas could face a prison sentence ranging from six months to three years.
Sevilla FC’s Response
Sevilla FC has acknowledged Salas’s detention and is closely monitoring the situation. The club emphasized its commitment to respecting the player’s presumption of innocence while condemning any fraudulent activity in sports.
La Liga’s Involvement
La Liga has informed the Associated Press that it plans to request involvement in any judicial proceedings related to the case. The league is determined to uphold the integrity of the competition and ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated, reported Insider Sports.
Similar Cases in Football
The investigation into Salas bears similarities to the case involving West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who has also been accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards to assist others in profiting from bets placed in Brazil. Paquetá’s case is still under investigation, and he could face a lifetime ban if found guilty.
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