West Ham player dragged into Covid fraud claims – Never a quiet moment

Following in the footsteps of Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, West Ham United midfielder Edson Álvarez has been dragged into a controversy over fake COVID certificates in his homeland.

Reports in Mexico today state that the midfielder has now found himself involved in allegations of fake COVID certificates and fake health documents during the pandemic.

This brewing scandal is potentially more serious than the one the Sunderland captain faced in Switzerland.

Estadio Deportes report that alleged forged documents were issued through a platform ‘Resistencia’. That charged 500 dollars (9,300 pesos) per certificate.

This operation reportedly enabled various high-profile individuals to travel abroad while bypassing health restrictions, generating profits that could amount to nearly 250 million pesos.

Public attention

The scale of this alleged fraudulent operation has gained attention. The list of public figures who reportedly acquired these documents is said to be extensive.

Various well-known television personalities have been named in the documents, including the West Ham United midfielder. As of now, neither the midfielder nor the mentioned celebrities have issued official statements to deny their involvement.

Given the gravity of the accusations, there is a belief that authorities may launch an investigation on their own initiative. After all, the forgery of public health documents constitutes a federal crime with serious legal consequences.

Granit Xhaka admitted his role in a fake Covid scheme, with the Sunderland player given a fsuspended fine.

Growing controversy

It is the latest controversy to surround the West Ham midfield. Back in September producer Juan José López Ordóñez filed a complaint against Edson Álvarez and his former father-in-law, alleging fraud, threats, and kidnapping.

That conflict stemmed from an alleged multi-million debt related to the production of a documentary about the West Ham football filmed before the 2022 World Cup.

Alvarez has categorically denied those allegations and illicit conduct. Now allegations concerning COVID-19 certificates has added to the growing legal landscape surrounding the player.

That’s before even getting into the situation on the pitch. He’s barely featured for West Ham this season under Nuno Espirito Santo. Now he faces more legal matters off the pitch as well as this COVID story, which is likely to develop.