Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes under New Zealand rape investigation
Police in New Zealand have opened a rape investigation involving Ryan Mendes, captain of the Cape Verde national football team. A Brazilian translator accused the player of sexual assault that allegedly occurred in a hotel in Auckland, according to the New Zealand Herald. FIFA said it takes “any allegation of misconduct” seriously and is in contact with New Zealand authorities. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of the case through its embassy in Wellington and is providing consular assistance to the Brazilian complainant, while noting privacy restrictions on individual assistance details. Mendes played in all three group‑stage matches as Cape Verde advanced to the knockout round for the first time, with a forthcoming match against Argentina in Miami.
The investigation comes as the team prepares for the round‑of‑16, and no official comment has been received from the Cape Verde football federation.