Cape Verde Captain Faces Rape Allegation During FIFA Series in New Zealand

Ryan Mendes, captain of the Cape Verde national football team, is under investigation for rape following a complaint filed by a woman in New Zealand. The alleged incident occurred in March at a hotel in Auckland during the FIFA Series, a friendly tournament involving teams from various confederations. The woman, who worked as an interpreter and operational assistant for the Cape Verde delegation, was hired by the New Zealand Football Association due to Portuguese being Cape Verde's official language.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on March 27, after a match between Cape Verde and Chile. The woman was called to a delegation room at the hotel under the pretense of professional assistance but left after realizing it was a social meeting and feeling unwell. Later, Mendes reportedly came to her hotel room, where she alleges she was attacked and raped by him. Brazilian media outlet ge reported possession of photos of injuries, police reports, and medical documentation from a clinic specializing in sexual violence victims.

New Zealand police confirmed an investigation is ongoing following the April 10 complaint but have withheld names due to privacy laws. Investigators have collected hotel security footage and await forensic reports from tests conducted on the woman. The police will decide on pressing charges after reviewing all evidence. The woman and her husband have also contacted the Cape Verde Football Association and FIFA, requesting Mendes be barred from participating in the World Cup. They claim to have filed a complaint through FIFA's protection system but received no response.

Mendes, 36, currently plays for Iğdır in Turkey's second division and started all three group stage matches for Cape Verde at the World Cup, where the team finished second in Group 8 and advanced to the knockout stage. Cape Verde is set to face Argentina in the round of 16 in Miami. Under New Zealand law, a conviction for serious sexual offenses can result in up to 20 years imprisonment. However, at this stage, Mendes has not been charged, and the investigation continues.