Alan Cleland Jr suspended by World Surf League over alleged sexual assault of Australian teenager
The world-ranked surfer has been suspended from competition after serious allegations involving a teenage Australian girl emerged following an event in Tahiti.
Mexican professional surfer Alan Cleland Jr has been suspended from competition following serious sexual assault allegations involving a teenage Australian girl.
The 24-year-old, who is ranked 24th in the world, was provisionally suspended by the World Surf League (WSL) on Monday after the organisation became aware of allegations relating to a private gathering in Tahiti in August.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred at a party following the final day of the Outerknown Tahiti Pro, the seventh stop on the WSL Championship Tour.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.BREAKING: WSL pro surfer Alan Cleland Jr suspended over sex assault allegations
Surfing journalist Nick Carroll reported in Surfing World that the allegations involve a teenage girl from Sydney and at least three men.
This masthead does not suggest Cleland Jr is guilty of any crime, only that he has been provisionally suspended by WSL.
According to the publication, NSW Police have been made aware of the allegations and are in contact with surfing authorities.
It remains unclear whether police in French Polynesia have launched an investigation.
In a statement, the WSL confirmed it had suspended a competitor from all events while the allegations were considered.
“The World Surf League (WSL) confirms that a competitor on the 2026 Men’s Championship Tour has been suspended after the WSL was recently made aware of allegations of a deeply serious nature involving the competitor,” the organisation said.
“The allegations involve conduct in relation to a private gathering in Tahiti in August. The gathering was not affiliated with the WSL.”
The organisation said its disciplinary committee acted promptly after learning of the allegations.
“All WSL competitors are bound by the conduct standards outlined in the WSL Rule Book, at all times,” the statement continued.
“After being informed of the allegations, the WSL Discipline Committee took prompt action and issued a provisional suspension to the competitor from all WSL events.
“The WSL is committed to upholding the values and integrity of the sport on behalf of all surfers, and the broader surfing community.
“The WSL is continuing to follow its process and has offered assistance to relevant authorities.”
Cleland Jr, who became the first Mexican surfer to win the US Open of Surfing, has also reportedly lost the backing of major sponsors Quiksilver and Monster, according to Surfing World.
Cleland Jr has competed in Championship Tour events throughout the year but is not listed among the competitors for the upcoming Rip Curl Pro in Portugal on October 16. He remains 24th in the world rankings on the WSL website.
He also represented Mexico at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first surfer from his country to compete at the Games. The surfing competition was held in Tahiti, where the alleged incident occurred two years later.
The length of his suspension has not been confirmed.
He had been expected to compete at the Pipe Masters in Hawaii in December.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
