Cape Verde national team captain, Ryan Mendes, is under police investigation in New Zealand following allegations that he raped a Brazilian translator who was working with the team during a trip to Auckland in March.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to reports, the woman was hired by the New Zealand Football Federation as an interpreter and operational support staff for the Cape Verde delegation during the FIFA Series tournament.
She alleged that after a match against Chile on March 27, she attended what she believed was a work-related meeting at the team’s hotel, only to discover it was a social gathering.
The translator told police that after returning to her room, Mendes allegedly forced his way inside, physically assaulted her and raped her. She reportedly provided investigators with photographs of injuries as well as medical and forensic reports documenting bruises and other injuries.
New Zealand Police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. Authorities have reportedly collected hotel security footage and are reviewing forensic evidence before deciding whether charges will be filed. No charges have been announced at this stage.
The woman and her husband are also reported to have submitted complaints to FIFA and the Cape Verde Football Federation, requesting disciplinary action against the player. FIFA said it is in contact with New Zealand authorities and takes allegations of misconduct seriously but declined to comment further on the case.
Mendes, who has captained Cape Verde during its breakthrough World Cup run, has not publicly responded to the allegations, while the Cape Verde Football Federation has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.
