AFC Bournemouth has officially sidelined defender Alex Jiménez following the emergence of controversial social media posts that have sent shockwaves through the Premier League.
The 21-year-old Spaniard was conspicuously absent from the squad traveling to London for Saturday’s clash against Fulham, as the club launched a formal internal investigation into the matter.
Club Statement and Immediate Suspension
The decision to drop Jiménez came late Friday after screenshots of an alleged conversation between the right-back and a minor began circulating on platforms like X and Instagram.
In an official statement, the club acknowledged the gravity of the situation: “AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back Álex Jiménez. The club understands the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.” Manager Andoni Iraola echoed this sentiment during his pre-match briefing, expressing hope that the allegations are unfounded but insisting that the club must follow due process.
Details of the Allegations
The controversy stems from unverified screenshots that reportedly show Jiménez engaging in a sexually suggestive exchange with a 15-year-old girl. According to the reports, the messages discuss potential in-person meetings despite the individual explicitly stating she is a minor.
While the authenticity of these digital logs has yet to be independently confirmed, the public outcry has been swift, making it one of the most significant off-field scandals in English football this season.
Impact on Bournemouth’s Campaign
Jiménez has been a cornerstone of Bournemouth’s success this year, featuring in 32 matches and helping the Cherries climb to an impressive sixth place in the Premier League standings.
Having only recently completed a permanent £17 million move from AC Milan with a contract through 2031, his absence creates a tactical void for Iraola at a crucial juncture in the race for Champions League qualification. As the investigation continues, the club has stated it will offer no further comments until more facts are established.