Sevilla FC defender Kike Salas was briefly detained on Monday by Spanish authorities amid an ongoing investigation into spot-fixing, according to reports from El Confidencial.
The 22-year-old center-back is suspected of intentionally receiving yellow cards to allow associates to profit from insider betting information. Investigators allege Salas’ actions were part of a deliberate scheme that financially benefited acquaintances through strategic wagers.
Salas’ Record Raises Eyebrows
A regular for Spain’s under-21 national team, Salas was the most-booked player in La Liga during the 2023/24 season, accumulating ten yellow cards. Notably, seven of these bookings occurred during Sevilla’s final nine matches — a period when the club was safe from relegation and had little to play for competitively.
Understanding Spot-Fixing
Spot-fixing refers to manipulating specific aspects of a game, such as the number of yellow cards, throw-ins, or corners, rather than the overall outcome. While such practices are considered rare in top-tier soccer due to players’ high salaries, they are viewed as a significant threat to the integrity of sports.
Allegations Against Salas
Reports suggest that two of Salas’ associates placed approximately 30 bets on the defender receiving yellow cards over a one-month period, netting around €10,000 in winnings. These wagers were reportedly placed at six sportsbooks in Salas’ hometown, Morón de la Frontera, located about 40 miles from Seville.
Police detained Salas at Sevilla’s training ground, questioning him before releasing him. Two additional individuals connected to the alleged scheme were also taken into custody as part of the investigation.
If found guilty, Salas could face severe consequences, including a ban from professional soccer for up to five years and a prison sentence ranging from six months to three years for fraud.
Parallels with Lucas Paquetá
Salas’ case bears similarities to the controversy surrounding Lucas Paquetá, a Brazilian international and West Ham midfielder. Paquetá faced charges from the English Football Association in 2023, accused of intentionally seeking yellow cards to influence betting outcomes.
Investigators found evidence of around 60 bets placed in Brazil on Paquetá receiving bookings during four matches between 2022 and 2023. The charges derailed his anticipated US$110 million transfer to Manchester City, marking a significant blow to his career.
The allegations against Salas and Paquetá highlight growing concerns about spot-fixing at the highest levels of professional soccer and the potentially career-ending ramifications for players found guilty of such offenses.
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