Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by a major foreign development, with captain Ryan Mendes currently under investigation by New Zealand police following allegations he was sexually assaulted by a Brazilian woman.The story was first reported by the Brazilian company Globo Esporte, which said the complaint was related to an alleged incident in March 2026 when Cape Verde took part in the FIFA Series in Auckland. New Zealand police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, although no charges have yet been laid against Mendes. As the investigation continues, Mendes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What the complaint says
According to the complaint reviewed by Globo Esporte, the woman is a Brazilian citizen living in New Zealand who was employed by New Zealand Soccer as a translator and liaison for the Cape Verde delegation during the FIFA Series. It is said that after Cape Verde’s friendly against Chile, he attended what he believed to be a work-related meeting at the team hotel. When he realized that there was a party, he went back to his room. The complaint alleges that Mendes later entered her bedroom without permission, assaulted her and sexually assaulted her.The woman is said to have submitted a detailed statement to the police along with photographs of her injuries and medical history. Globo Esporte reported that he was examined by law enforcement and received medical and psychological treatment after the allegations.
The police investigation is ongoing
New Zealand police confirmed the complaint, which was lodged in April, was still being investigated. Authorities have obtained CCTV footage from the Auckland hotel and are awaiting the results of forensic tests as part of the investigation. Police have not publicly named any suspects, and no one has been arrested or charged.FIFA has respondedFIFA acknowledged the matter in a statement, saying it takes allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously” and is liaising with New Zealand authorities. Meanwhile, FIFA has issued a statement on the matter saying that “everything wrongdoing” should be dealt with and that it is in contact with the New Zealand authorities. “Please understand that we cannot comment further at this time,” FIFA told USA TODAY.
The World Cup campaign continues
Despite the ongoing investigation, Mendes has remained with the Cape Verde team and is the team’s captain during the previous FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde advanced for the first time in the country’s history and are set to face defending champions Argentina in the round of 32.
