The Kansas City Current has fired its medical department chief, Carlos Jimenez, for violating the NWSL’s non-fraternization policy, the club confirmed to Athleticism Wednesday. Multiple sources briefed on the situation said the policy violation involved a relationship with a current player.
Jimenez joined the Courant last December. He worked as a physical therapist for the Washington Spirit last season and for the United States women’s national team from 2019-2021.
“When we learned of (Jimenez’s) actions in violation of club and league policies, he was immediately terminated,” the Current said in a statement. “We remain committed to ensuring our policies and practices provide a safe space for our players and staff.”
Jimenez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The NWSL established a policy of non-fraternizationin addition to a policy on discrimination, harassment and bullying at workas part of league reforms following sexual coercion allegations against Paul Riley and subsequent joint investigation.
The non-fraternization policy applies to all NWSL personnel, including players, coaches, owners, managers, trainers and any other employees of the league or its clubs. The policy states that “NWSL supervisors may not engage in, develop, pursue or continue romantic and/or sexual relationships or encounters, even if consensual, with any employee (including players or applicants for membership). NWSL trial) over which they currently have direct or indirect power. supervisory authority or management influence.
The medical leader of a team would fall under the policy’s definition of “supervisor,” which includes any staff member who could “responsibly direct (employees), including with respect to performance and medical decisions.” , respond to concerns or exert influence over such actions in the interest”. of the NWSL or a team.
Jimenez is the second NWSL team staff member to be fired for policy violations in 2024. Last month, the NWSL announced that Houston Dash goalkeeping coach Matt Lampson had been fired by the club following an investigation into violations of NWSL policy. The league found that Lampson violated the NWSL’s non-fraternization policy and code of conduct for coaches, and further suspended him for the remainder of the 2024 season.
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