A La Liga defender arrested accused of illegal betting practices

Sevilla defender Kike Salas has been arrested by the police on suspicion of alleged illegal gambling practices. The National Police have been investigating Salas after a series of yellow cards that have raised suspicions.

According to El Confidencial, as reported by Marca, Salas has been detained by the police to be questioned about the matter. He is suspected of deliberately collecting yellow cards so that people close to him can bet that he will be cautioned and win money as a result. Two more of his ‘close circle’ are also being investigated.

Salas has been booked 3 times in 14 La Liga games this season, but after receiving 7 yellow cards in 9 games in the final quarter of last season, suspicions arose. One of those games was lost due to suspension, and Salas became the most cautioned player in La Liga during that period, and through testimony and evidence the National Police has been compiling a case.

The Nervionenses have not publicly addressed the matter. Salas has a contract until 2029 at Sevilla, and has recently been linked with a move to Lazio, which will presumably stop him in his tracks. For the last 7 weeks, Salas has been García Pimienta’s starter.