Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under New Zealand police investigation after a Brazilian woman who worked with the squad alleged she was raped at the team’s Auckland hotel during a March FIFA Series trip. Mendes, 36, has stayed with Cape Verde’s World Cup squad as the island nation prepares for a Round of 32 showdown with Argentina in Miami, while authorities and football officials say evidence is being reviewed and the criminal inquiry continues.
According to Globo, the complaint alleges the attack took place on March 27 and was formally reported to police on April 10. The outlet reports that the woman, hired by New Zealand Football as an interpreter and operational support, provided photos showing bruising, a medical report and the results of a forensic sexual-assault examination.
New Zealand Police confirmed that an allegation was reported on April 10 and that an inquiry is in progress, while declining to identify anyone involved because of strict privacy rules, as reported by The Independent. Reporting indicates investigators have requested hotel CCTV and other material while forensic tests are processed.
As NDTV notes, FIFA told USA TODAY it takes “any allegation of misconduct” seriously and is in contact with New Zealand authorities, adding it “cannot comment further at this stage.” Cape Verde’s federation has not publicly addressed the complaint, and Mendes or his representatives had not issued a statement as of Friday.
Evidence and timeline
Media reports say police have obtained hotel surveillance footage and are awaiting forensic analyses before deciding whether to bring charges. A lawyer quoted in coverage said the review of medical and forensic material can take several months and that no criminal charges had been filed so far, according to Globo.
What this means for the Argentina tie
Mendes has continued to train and play with Cape Verde during the tournament. The squad is scheduled to face Argentina at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) on July 3 in a Round of 32 match, according to Miami Gardens. Cape Verde’s unlikely run, built on three group-stage draws that nudged the small island nation into the knockouts while the allegation hangs in the background, has been highlighted in coverage from Republic World.
Legal note
Under New Zealand procedure, police gather evidence and then Crown prosecutors decide whether to file charges. Until that happens, the person named in an inquiry is presumed innocent. The Independent also notes that sexual-assault investigations typically involve multiple forensic tests and can stretch over months as authorities examine medical reports and CCTV.
The case remains active and is being monitored by football authorities. FIFA says it is in contact with New Zealand Police and has a safeguarding process for reports linked to the sport. Cape Verde’s federation has told some outlets it will not comment at this time, according to Republic World, and this report will be updated if officials or representatives for Mendes issue statements.
.JPG){kind=link}