Investigation Launched on Sevilla Defender Kike Salas for Suspected Gambling Scam
In the world of Spanish football, a shocking development has emerged involving Sevilla FC's 22-year-old defender, Kike Salas. Spanish authorities are investigating claims that Salas is involved in a sports betting scandal.
The investigation began in December 2024, after Spain's Public Prosecutor's Office noticed odd betting trends. The case reminds of similar allegations against West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Salas, who has been with Sevilla FC since he was 11 and recently signed a contract extending his stay until 2029, has found himself under the spotlight. He received seven yellow cards in his last nine games during the 2023-2024 season. Most of these yellow cards were issued late in games, with three coming in the 88th and 94th minutes.
These yellow cards were primarily issued for fouls, but one came from a fight with another player. At first, no one noticed these incidents, but they have since come under scrutiny as part of the investigation.
Potential fines for Salas range between €3,006 ($3,092) and €30,051 ($30,906). More significantly, he might be banned from soccer for up to five years, and could face jail time ranging from six months to three years.
Sevilla FC, however, has not taken any steps to punish Salas yet. The club has stated that they will follow the court process and consider Salas innocent until proven guilty.
La Liga, the governing body of Spanish football, has also shown its commitment to maintaining a clean sport. They plan to join the legal case and use this opportunity to emphasize their advanced systems to monitor betting and educate players about the risks of match-fixing.
This scandal is not an isolated incident in Spanish football. In 2025, Ex-Real Madrid player Raúl Bravo and several other active and former footballers, along with club presidents and officials, were suspected of involvement in a match-fixing scandal in Spain; the investigation, known as Operación ‘Oikos’, was led by the Fifth Investigative Court in Huesca.
Kike Salas's play in the previous season caught people's attention towards the end of La Liga. On January 14, police detained Salas and two others over allegations of a yellow card betting scheme. People claim two of Salas's friends placed around 30 bets, earning approximately €10,000 ($10,283), by betting on his yellow cards during games.
As the investigation continues, the future of Kike Salas in Spanish football remains uncertain. The developments serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and fair play in sports.
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