Sevilla FC’s Kike Salas investigated for profiting from betting scheme

Spanish defender Enrique “Kike” Salas, a prominent player for Sevilla FC, faces accusations of match-fixing in connection with fraudulent betting practices.

Police in Morón de la Frontera, his hometown, detained Kike Salas briefly as part of the investigation. Authorities questioned him and released him shortly afterward, but the investigation remains active.

Authorities claim Salas deliberately earned yellow cards for betting profits

Reports allege that Salas intentionally received yellow cards during the final 9 games of the 2023-24 LaLiga season.

This conduct reportedly enabled associates to place bets on his bookings, earning over $10,000 in profits. During this period, Salas was booked seven times, making him LaLiga’s most cautioned player in the season’s final stretch. He even missed one match due to the suspension caused by these accumulated bookings.

Investigators suspect Kike Salas manipulated these games deliberately, especially since Sevilla’s league position was stable, with no pressing concerns about relegation or European qualification.

Authorities are also examining the roles of two of Salas’ associates, who allegedly benefited financially from these bets.

Sevilla FC’s response and LaLiga’s strict stance against betting violations

Sevilla FC issued a statement addressing the situation and reaffirming its respect for the ongoing judicial process.

The club stated, “Sevilla FC wishes to express its full respect for the judicial process and adherence to the principle of presumption of innocence for our player.” Despite the accusations, Salas has continued to train and participate in regular team activities.

LaLiga responded firmly, announcing plans to join the prosecution as an affected party if charges are filed. “Every year, LaLiga provides players with compulsory integrity workshops, informing them of what they can and cannot do,” LaLiga emphasized in a statement, underlining its commitment to preventing such violations.

Judicial investigation focuses on betting records and evidence from associates

The investigation, led by the National Police’s specialized unit for illegal betting, centers on evidence from betting records and testimony. Investigators have cloned Salas’ mobile phone to gather additional data.

The court in Morón de la Frontera is handling the case, which includes around 30 bets placed in local establishments. The bets, made with foreknowledge of Kike Salas’ actions, reportedly involved his associates. Conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to three years for fraud.

Future uncertain for Kike Salas, Sevilla amid ongoing investigation

Kike Salas’ career, already affected by the scandal, faces uncertainty. The 22-year-old recently signed a contract extension with Sevilla FC through 2029 and had attracted interest from Lazio before the allegations emerged.

As a key player under head coach Xavi García Pimienta, Salas had been a regular starter this season, featuring in both central defense and left-back positions.

While the investigation continues, Sevilla FC and LaLiga await further details to determine the outcome.