BREAKING: World Cup captain under investigation for alleged rape
Cape Verde national soccer team captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation by New Zealand police following allegations that he raped a Brazilian translator in an Auckland hotel room in March.
Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign has been severely hit by shocking controversy following serious sexual assault allegations against team captain Ryan Mendes.
A Brazilian woman, hired by the New Zealand Football Federation as a translator during a March tournament tour, filed an official police report in Auckland. She alleged that the veteran forward forced his way inside her hotel room and raped her.
The victim stated she initially sought assistance from at least three Cape Verdean football officials, but her pleas were entirely ignored, with one staff member dismissing the incident as a personal matter.
New Zealand authorities are actively reviewing hotel security footage and examining forensic evidence before deciding whether to file criminal charges. FIFA has confirmed communication with local police regarding the ongoing case.
