Olympic surfer kicked off tour over alleged sexual assault of NSW teen
A professional surfer has been kicked off the world tour as police investigate allegations of sexual assault.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, four people are under investigation over allegations of sexual assault against a teenager from New South Wales.
Alan Cleland of Mexico in action. Joe Scarnici
The World Surf League (WSL) has suspended Mexican surfer Alan Cleland Jr, who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
While he was not named in a WSL statement, he has disappeared from competition pages and has also been removed from major sponsor Quicksilver’s website.
Multiple reports state the alleged incident happened during the Outerknown Tahiti Pro in August.
“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,” a statement issued by the WSL on Sunday read.
“The allegations involve conduct in relation to a private gathering in Tahiti in August. The gathering was not affiliated with the WSL.
“All WSL competitors are bound by the conduct standards outlined in the WSL Rule Book, at all times. 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.”
While the alleged victim is from Australia, NSW Police and the AFP have told The Sydney Morning Herald that French Polynesia police are conducting the investigation.
Cleland was next scheduled to compete at the Pipe Masters in December.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
