Cape Verde’s extraordinary FIFA World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by a serious development off the pitch, with captain Ryan Mendes currently under investigation by New Zealand Police following an allegation of rape made by a Brazilian woman.The allegation was first reported by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, who said the complaint is related to an incident that allegedly occurred in March 2026 during Cape Verde’s participation in the FIFA Series in Auckland. New Zealand Police have confirmed an investigation is ongoing, although no criminal charges have been laid against Mendes at this stage. While the investigation continues, Mendes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
What the complaint
According to the complaint reviewed by Globo Esporte, the woman is a Brazilian national living in New Zealand who was hired by New Zealand Football as an interpreter and operational liaison for the Cape Verdean delegation during the FIFA Series. She says that after Cape Verde’s friendly against Chile, she attended what she believes was a work meeting at the team hotel. After finding out it was a social gathering, he went back to his room. The complaint says Mendes then entered her bedroom without permission, physically assaulted her and raped her.The woman submitted a detailed statement to the police with photographs of her injuries and medical records. Globo Esporte also reported that he underwent forensic examinations and received medical and psychological support after the alleged incident.
The police investigation is ongoing
New Zealand Police have confirmed that the complaint, lodged in April, remains under active investigation. Authorities have secured CCTV footage from the Auckland hotel and are awaiting the results of forensic examinations as part of the investigation. Police have not publicly identified any suspects, and no arrests or formal charges have been announced.FIFA respondsFIFA acknowledged the affair in a statement, saying it treats allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously” and is in contact with New Zealand authorities. Meanwhile, FIFA released a statement on the matter, saying it takes “any allegations of misconduct” seriously and is in contact with New Zealand authorities. “Please understand that we cannot comment further at this stage,” FIFA was quoted as saying to USA TODAY.
The World Cup campaign continues
Despite the ongoing investigation, Mendes remained with the Cape Verde team and captained the team during their historic FIFA World Cup campaign. Cape Verde has advanced to the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history and will face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.
