Alex Jiménez (21), who plays for Premier League Bournemouth, has become the center of controversy after conversations in which he allegedly solicited sexual activity from a minor were leaked. Bournemouth immediately suspended him from selection and launched an investigation.
Bournemouth said on the 8th (Korean time) on the club website, "We are aware that social media posts related to right back Jiménez are spreading. The club recognizes the seriousness of the matter and is under investigation. Therefore, he will be excluded from the matchday squad against Fulham and the Premier League, and for now we will make no further comment," the club officially announced.
Recently, a conversation reportedly exchanged between Jiménez and a 15-year-old girl that was shared on Instagram was leaked, sparking major controversy. The content was shocking. Despite the other person directly saying she was a minor, Jiménez hinted at sexual acts and encouraged a meeting.
In the published conversation, the girl said she was 15, not yet 18, and asked if he would still meet. Jiménez replied, "Of course. You are so pretty," and added, "Of course you are a bit young, and that worries me. But I like young women. I have never dated a 15-year-old."
Jiménez even sent a selfie saying, "If we meet, can you do what adults do?" Effectively inducing sexual activity. When the girl worried that he might lose his job if caught, he appeared to dodge the concern, saying, "What do you mean by that? I don't really understand."
Because the content was so shocking, the leaked chat sent the English football world into an uproar. Criticism poured in accusing Jiménez of soliciting a minor, and major outlets including the BBC, Sky Sports and The Athletic reported it immediately.
However, the post has not yet been verified. Jiménez's camp has not issued a separate explanation. He is reported to have not responded to The Athletic's request for comment.
For Bournemouth, it was an unexpected blow amid a late-season standings battle. The club decided to exclude Jiménez from the Fulham match on the 9th. Currently sixth in the Premier League and fighting for a place in next season's Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (UCL), this is a significant hit for Bournemouth.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola told the BBC in an interview, "The club needs to conduct an investigation to find out what actually happened. After that we will decide on the next steps. I hope it is not what we are thinking."
A former Spain youth international, Jiménez developed in Real Madrid's youth system, spent time at Italy's AC Milan and has played for Bournemouth since last year. Able to play on both sides of defense, he became a Bournemouth player officially after a loan and permanent transfer in February last year, and has appeared in 33 official matches this season.<
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