“Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Police Investigation in New Zealand Over Rape Allegation”
Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation by New Zealand Police following allegations that he raped a Brazilian translator who was working with the team’s delegation during a FIFA Series event earlier this year.
The allegation relates to an incident said to have occurred in March 2026 while the Cape Verde squad was in Auckland, New Zealand, for international friendly matches. The woman, who had been contracted as an interpreter and operational support staff for the delegation, reported the alleged assault to New Zealand authorities, triggering an ongoing criminal investigation.
According to reports first published by Brazilian sports outlet ge (Globo Esporte), investigators have gathered evidence, including medical documentation, photographs and hotel security footage, as part of the inquiry. However, no criminal charges have been announced against Mendes as of the time of publication.
Football’s world governing body, FIFA, confirmed that it is aware of the matter and is in contact with New Zealand authorities. The organisation stated that it treats allegations of misconduct with the utmost seriousness but declined to comment further while investigations remain ongoing.
The case has drawn international attention as Cape Verde continues its historic FIFA World Cup campaign. Mendes, one of the country’s most experienced players and team captain, has continued to feature for the national side while the investigation proceeds. Under New Zealand law, individuals under investigation are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Neither Ryan Mendes nor the Cape Verde Football Federation had publicly responded in detail to the allegations at the time this report was published.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not indicated when a decision on possible charges may be made.
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