Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation after a team translator accused him of sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. The allegations come just days before Cape Verde's Round of 32 match against defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Allegations Details
The Brazilian woman claimed she was hired by the Cape Verde Football Federation to work as a translator during the team's FIFA Series tour of New Zealand in March. She said she was invited to a gathering following a match against Chile but realized her translation services were not needed and returned to her hotel room. Shortly after, she alleged that Mendes knocked on her door and forced his way in, sexually assaulting her without her consent.
The woman provided investigators with photographs showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg, and side as evidence. She also claimed she reported the incident to at least three officials from the Cape Verde Football Federation but received no response. New Zealand police have obtained CCTV footage from the hotel and are awaiting forensic examination results before deciding whether to charge Mendes.
Impact on World Cup
Mendes played in all of Cape Verde's group-stage matches, helping the Blue Sharks become the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage. They are scheduled to face Argentina on July 3 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Cape Verde Football Federation has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Other Players Facing Allegations
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was charged by the Metropolitan Police in London in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty in September 2025, and two additional charges were authorized in February 2026. His trial is set for 2027. Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano was arrested in July 2024 for alleged sexual assault but reached a private settlement, and prosecutors dropped the case.
CAF earlier sent a message to Cape Verde after their 0-0 draw with Spain in their World Cup debut.
