Sevilla centre-back Salas arrested, faces up to 3-year sentence for allegedly picking up deliberate yellow cards
Spanish police have arrested Sevilla's central defender Kike Salas on suspicion of deliberately accumulating yellow cards in La Liga matches to enable associates to profit from betting, according to El Confidencial. The court in Morón de la Frontera, located in Seville province, is investigating the footballer for alleged fraud.
In addition to the 22-year-old Salas, two other individuals believed to be part of his inner circle are also under investigation. Reports suggest that Salas had arranged with these associates, enabling him to receive yellow cards during official matches, thereby allowing them to place bets in advance based on insider knowledge of forthcoming events on the pitch. Further involvement from others within Salas's circle is not ruled out as the inquiry progresses.
A police unit specializing in illegal betting is leading the investigation, which is focusing on several matches from the latter stages of the previous La Liga season. Notably, the Spaniard played in eight matches over the last nine rounds of the 2023/24 season, picking up seven yellow cards.
As a result of receiving his fifth warning of the season, he received a suspension and missed the game against RCD Mallorca on April 22, 2024, which Sevilla lost 2-1.
In total, Salas has received 10 yellow cards in 23 matches last league campaign.
As per the report, if found guilty of fraud, the player could face a prison sentence ranging from six months to three years.
