Football captain Ryan Mendes under sexual assault investigation in New Zealand

Ryan Mendes, a 36‑year‑old forward who captains the Green Cape Islands (Cape Verde) national football team and plays for Turkish TFF 1st League side Iğdır FK, is being investigated for alleged sexual assault. The allegations claim that during a team camp in Auckland on 27 March, Mendes broke into a hotel room and assaulted a Brazilian woman, allegedly beating, biting and strangling her. The woman filed a complaint with New Zealand police, which confirmed an ongoing investigation, collecting security‑camera footage and forensic reports.

The complaint was also submitted to FIFA and the Green Cape Islands Football Federation, asking that Mendes be barred from the World Cup squad. Both FIFA and the national federation have said they are aware of the allegations but have not issued a formal statement. The outcome of the police inquiry will determine whether any sporting sanctions are applied.