Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes has been accused of rape by a Brazilian woman who worked as the team’s translator during an international trip to New Zealand, with police now investigating the allegations.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the alleged incident occurred in March while Cape Verde was in New Zealand for the FIFA Series tournament. The 36-year-old footballer, who has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s World Cup matches, is accused of sexually assaulting the translator after entering her hotel room without permission.
The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly said she informed at least three officials connected to Cape Verde’s football authorities about the incident but received no response.
New Zealand Police have since launched an investigation, gathering CCTV footage from the Auckland hotel where the alleged assault took place. Authorities are also awaiting the outcome of forensic examinations before deciding whether criminal charges will be filed against Mendes.
The alleged assault was first reported by New Zealand media last month, although the player involved was not publicly identified at the time.
In a statement to police, the translator said she had been hired to work with Cape Verde’s delegation during the tournament and was invited to what she believed was a work-related meeting following the team’s match against Chile.
According to her account, she left after realising the gathering was social rather than professional and returned to her hotel room. She alleged that shortly afterward, Mendes knocked on her door and forced his way inside when she opened it.
The woman claimed the footballer then choked, punched and bit her before sexually assaulting her. She also provided police with photographs allegedly showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg and side.
Mendes has not publicly responded to the allegations.
In a statement issued after the claims became public, FIFA said it is in contact with New Zealand authorities and treats allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously.”
However, the world football governing body declined to comment further on the case or confirm whether any disciplinary proceedings are underway while the police investigation continues.
