West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez says he "categorically rejects" allegations linking him to an alleged kidnapping plot, after claims made public this week by Mexican filmmaker Juan Jose Lopez Ordonez.
Ordonez made the allegations in an interview with the Mexican celebrity magazine TVNotas. He claimed he was kidnapped in November 2024, when two people forced their way into his car before blindfolding him and threatening him with weapons.
He said his attackers also inserted a syringe into his neck. According to Ordonez, the kidnappers claimed they were acting under orders from Jonathan Toache Bedolla, who was Alvarez's father-in-law at the time.
Ordonez said bystanders helped him escape and that he reported the incident to police. He claimed Alvarez was not directly involved in the kidnapping itself but was aware of the plot.
Documentary payment dispute
Ordonez alleged he is owed 3.5 million pesos, around £152,000, by Alvarez for work on a documentary about the Mexico captain, which he said was produced ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He said he asked for payment in 2024 and claimed he was separately involved in a dispute with Alvarez's then father-in-law over a property the businessman owned at the time. Ordonez alleged the father-in-law paid to have the investigation into the kidnapping stopped.
Alvarez's response
Alvarez posted a lengthy statement on social media rejecting Ordonez's claims and said he had instructed his legal team to pursue action against the "false allegations."
"In light of the publications and statements that have circulated recently, I believe it is necessary to address this matter clearly and firmly," Alvarez wrote. "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 prioritizes sensationalism and media exposure over accuracy and truth," he continued.
"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."
Alvarez also addressed the reports connecting him to the matter through his 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 recognized for my work both on and off the pitch. I come from a hardworking and honorable 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."
He added that his priority remained "my daughters, my family, and my professional career."
Alvarez's career at West Ham and with Mexico
Alvarez, 28, has made 102 appearances for Mexico and captained his country at this summer's World Cup. He joined West Ham from the Dutch club Ajax in 2023 and has since made 74 appearances for the Hammers, who play in the Premier League.
The midfielder had been expected to leave West Ham during the recent transfer window but failed to complete a move away from the London club.
