Sevilla's Kike Salas has been held by Spanish police in connection with an alleged betting fix. -AP
Sevilla's Kike Salas has been detained by police for allegedly intentionally earning yellow cards to fix sports betting results, the Spanish league has said.
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According to Spanish outlet El Confidencial that first reported the arrest, police investigators suspect that Salas intentionally tried to be booked by referees to favour bets made by family members and friends in Spain.
The 22-year-old defender has received three yellow cards this season. He earned 10 last season in La Liga, including seven in the last eight games he played in.
Police officers detained Salas on the club's premises after training and he was released after being questioned. He could face up to three years in prison for fraud.
LaLiga told reporters they would ask to join the prosecution as a damaged party if the investigation were to lead to a lawsuit.
"Every year, LaLiga provides players with compulsory integrity workshops, in which they are explained and informed about these issues, so that they are very clear about what they can and cannot do," LaLiga said.
Two other people related to Salas have also been arrested.
Police, court authorities and Salas' representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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