Kike Salas (foto: Getty Images)
Sevilla defender Kike Salas is under investigation for possible involvement in sports betting, raising concerns over yellow cards received late in matches.
Kike Salas, a 22-year-old defender for Sevilla, is at the center of a potential scandal after being questioned over suspected involvement in sports betting. Reports indicate that Salas is being investigated for suspicious patterns involving yellow cards, reminiscent of the ongoing case involving Lucas Paqueta at West Ham.
Yellow card patterns raise suspicion
During last season, Salas received ten yellow cards, with seven of them coming in the final nine rounds of La Liga. Notably, many of those bookings occurred in the closing minutes of matches, prompting authorities to investigate whether they were influenced by betting activity. This pattern closely mirrors the situation surrounding Paqueta, who is also being investigated for irregular betting activity involving yellow cards.
If Salas is found guilty, he could face severe disciplinary action, including a suspension from football and a significant financial fine. Alongside Salas, two other individuals were reportedly questioned for their alleged involvement in sports betting schemes linked to the player.
Salas still eligible to play
Despite the ongoing investigation, Salas remains eligible to play for Sevilla. The club, currently struggling in 13th place in La Liga, acknowledged the matter and stated that they are closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, La Liga management confirmed the investigation and expressed their willingness to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.
Potential implications for Sevilla
Should Salas face suspension, Sevilla could suffer a significant blow to their already challenging season. With the team sitting in the lower half of the table, losing a key defender would further complicate their quest to climb up the standings. The club has not yet issued a detailed statement but is reportedly awaiting further updates from the investigation before taking any action.
A growing concern in football
This case highlights an increasing concern in European football over players’ involvement in betting-related activities. The investigation into Salas follows a string of similar cases, with authorities across various leagues tightening their grip on suspicious betting patterns. As of now, both Salas and Paqueta’s cases remain unresolved, but they could set a precedent for stricter regulations and monitoring in the future.