Sevilla FC released a statement on Tuesday reaffirming its condemnation of any fraudulent activity in sports following reports of player Kike Salas being detained and later released in connection with alleged involvement in illegal betting. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, the club emphasized its commitment to respecting the player’s presumption of innocence.

"Sevilla FC wishes to express its full respect for the judicial process and underscore its adherence to the principle of presumption of innocence for our player," the club said in an official statement. The club also reiterated its strong stance against any actions that compromise the integrity of competition.

Ongoing Investigation

Sources close to the club revealed that Kike Salas, a Spain U21 international, will continue his regular activities while authorities investigate his alleged involvement in a betting scheme that reportedly generated less than €10,000 in profits. The case revolves around allegations that the player deliberately sought yellow cards during the final stretch of last season.

The player was detained after a training session under head coach Xavi García Pimienta and taken to the Morón de la Frontera police station in his hometown. He appeared alongside two acquaintances who are also under investigation for allegedly benefiting from the bets.

Reactions and Next Steps

The club told EFE that it would wait for more details before making any definitive decisions about the case. Meanwhile, the individuals under investigation were released after their mobile phones were cloned as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The case remains under review at a court in Morón de la Frontera, where authorities will determine the extent of Kike Salas’s involvement, as well as that of his associates, in a scandal that has raised concerns over the integrity of Spanish football.