Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Faces Rape Investigation
Cape Verde Football Captain Faces Rape Investigation Over Alleged Hotel Incident in New Zealand
Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand following allegations that he sexually assaulted a female translator during the country’s international fixtures earlier this year.
According to reports, the alleged incident took place in March while the Cape Verde squad was in Auckland for the FIFA Series tournament.
The woman, a Brazilian national who had been hired to serve as the team’s translator, told investigators that she was invited to what she believed was a work-related meeting at the team’s hotel after the side’s match against Chile.
She claimed that upon discovering the gathering was merely social, she returned to her room. A short time later, she said there was a knock at her door. In her statement to police, she alleged that Mendes forced his way inside, physically assaulted her, and raped her.
The woman also reportedly provided investigators with photographs showing injuries to her neck, mouth, leg and side, along with a formal statement detailing the alleged attack.
Brazilian media reported that she had previously informed several officials connected with Cape Verdean football about the incident but did not receive any response.
New Zealand Police are said to be examining hotel surveillance footage and awaiting forensic test results before deciding whether criminal charges will be filed.
The case first emerged in New Zealand media last month, although the identity of the player involved was not disclosed at the time.
Mendes, 36, has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s matches at the ongoing FIFA World Cup and has not publicly responded to the allegations.
World football governing body FIFA said it is aware of the matter and has been in contact with New Zealand authorities.
The organization stated that it treats allegations of misconduct with the utmost seriousness but declined to comment further or confirm details of any ongoing investigation.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no criminal charges have been announced. Mendes is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
