West Ham star points sturdy assertion over wild kidnap plot claims

An out-of-favour West Ham United player has released a lengthy statement in two languages on his Instagram account after allegations linking him to a kidnapping

A West Ham United player has addressed allegations linking him to a kidnapping by sharing a lengthy statement on social media.

Edson Alvarez is the subject of these claims, which date back two years, according to the Mexican entertainment magazine TVNotas. They are said to concern a documentary commissioned ahead of the 2022 World Cup by his partner’s father-in-law, Jessi Jonathan Toache Bedolla.

It reportedly cost over £150,000 (3.5 million pesos) to make, which producer Juan Jose Lopez Ordonez claims was not paid. He claims to have been kidnapped for half a day in November 2024 over the alleged debt.

In a vague statement shared in English and Spanish on his Instagram account, Alvarez says: “I will not allow my name to be used to fuel conflicts between third parties or to gain media exposure.

“Therefore, given the seriousness of the statements made, I have instructed my legal team to evaluate and pursue appropriate legal action against anyone who makes or disseminates false allegations against me.

“In light of the publications and statements that have circulated recently, I believe it is necessary to address this matter clearly and firmly. I categorically reject any allegation or attempt to associate my name with events, conflicts, or conduct that are entirely unrelated to me.

“Over the past several months, my name and image have repeatedly been used to generate greater media attention around a situation that has nothing to do with me.

“Until now, I had chosen not to respond. However, there are limits, and attributing knowledge, responsibility, or involvement in matters of this nature to me without presenting a single piece of evidence clearly crosses that line.

“If anyone believes they have evidence of any wrongdoing on my part, there are authorities, prosecutors, and courts before which they can present it. Serious accusations must be supported by evidence and presented before the appropriate authorities, not through statements in media outlets whose content prioritises sensationalism and media exposure over accuracy and truth.

“I will not allow my name to be used to fuel conflicts between third parties or to gain media exposure.

“Therefore, given the seriousness of the statements that have been made, I have instructed my legal team to evaluate and pursue the appropriate legal action against any person who makes or disseminates false allegations against me.

“I also want to be clear regarding the publications that have attempted to connect me to this matter through my former partner’s father: It is not my place to confirm, deny, or comment on what may be said about third parties, but it is my responsibility to make one thing absolutely clear: I have nothing to do with the events being reported.

“Throughout nearly ten years of my professional career, I have made every effort to stay away from media scandals and to have my name recognised for my work both on and off the pitch.

“I come from a hardworking and honourable family that taught me that a reputation is built over many years through hard work, discipline, and conduct. For that very reason, I will not allow mine to be irresponsibly used to involve me in matters that are entirely unrelated to me.

“My priority is, and will continue to be, where it has always been: my daughters, my family, and my professional career.”