La Liga star and Spain U21 international 'faces three years in prison' over spot-fixing scandal following run of seven bookings in nine games

Salas has been detained by police amid an investigation into spot-fixing. The Sevilla and Spain Under-21 star allegedly deliberately picked up yellow cards to earn money in bets made by family and friends during the 2023-24 season, according to El Confidencial. Authorities are investigating the end of the season, when Sevilla had nothing to play for, and Salas was booked seven times in nine matches. The timing of the yellow cards is also under suspicion. Three of those bookings were in the final minutes of matches, while two were received stoppage time.

An investigation is now set to continue which could have serious consequences for Salas if found guilty. The Sevilla star could be sent to prison for up to three years if found guilty. Salas is a 22-year-old defender who is a regular in the Sevilla starting XI and has also played for Spain's Under-21 team. He signed a contract extension with the club in December that runs until 2029.

Sevilla have issued the following statement on the issue: "The club, following what happened today in relation to our player Kike Salas, would like to place on record our full respect for the judicial process as well as the presumption of innocence of our player. The club would also like to state that we condemn any fraudulent activity in the world of sport and in particular those that may affect the integrity of the competition."

Sevilla and Salas must now wait to see how the police investigation proceeds and whether any charges are brought. In the meantime, Sevilla continue their La Liga campaign against Girona on Saturday.