Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is being investigated for rape allegations ahead of the Argentina clash.
Cape Verde’s extraordinary FIFA World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by a serious development outside, with captain Ryan Mendes currently under investigation by New Zealand Police following allegations of rape made by a Brazilian woman.The allegation was first reported by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, which said the complaint related to an incident that allegedly occurred in March 2026 during Cape Verde’s participation in the FIFA Series in Auckland. New Zealand Police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, although no criminal charges have been filed against Mendes at this stage. While the investigation is ongoing, Mendes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
What the complaint alleges
According to the complaint investigated by Globo Esporte, the woman is a Brazilian national living in New Zealand who was hired by New Zealand Football as an interpreter and operational liaison for the Cape Verde delegation during the FIFA Series. He alleged that after Cape Verde’s friendly against Chile, he attended what he believed to be a work-related meeting at the team’s hotel. Discovering that it was a social gathering, he returned to his room. The complaint alleges that Mendes later entered her room without permission, physically assaulted her and raped her.The woman has reportedly submitted a detailed statement to the police along with photographs of her injuries and medical records. Globo Esporte also reported that he underwent forensic examinations and received medical and psychological support after the alleged incident.
The police investigation is ongoing
New Zealand Police have confirmed that the complaint, which was lodged in April, remains an active investigation. Authorities have obtained CCTV footage from the Auckland hotel and are awaiting the results of forensic examinations as part of the investigation. Police have not publicly identified any suspects, and no arrests or formal charges have been announced.FIFA responded:FIFA acknowledged the matter in a statement, saying it treated allegations of misconduct “very seriously” and was in contact with New Zealand authorities. Meanwhile, FIFA issued a statement on the matter, saying it takes “any allegation of misconduct” seriously and is contacting New Zealand authorities. “Please understand that we cannot comment further at this stage,” FIFA quoted USA TODAY as saying.
The World Cup campaign continues
Despite the ongoing investigation, Mendes remained in the Cape Verde squad and captained the team during the historic FIFA World Cup campaign. Cape Verde advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history and is scheduled to face defending champion Argentina in the Round of 32.
Post Comment