Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Investigated Over Sexual Assault Allegation

Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation over an alleged sexual assault during the team’s World Cup preparation.

Cape Verde captain, Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand over an alleged sexual assault involving a translator who worked with the national team, according to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte.

The alleged incident is said to have occurred on March 27, 2026, at a hotel in Auckland during Cape Verde’s participation in the FIFA Friendly Series. The complainant, a Brazilian translator hired by the Cape Verde Football Federation, accused Mendes of entering her hotel room and sexually assaulting her.

According to the report, medical and forensic examinations documented multiple injuries, while investigators have also obtained hotel security footage as part of the probe.

The complainant and her husband reportedly asked the Cape Verde Football Federation and FIFA to leave Mendes out of the World Cup squad while the investigation was ongoing, but no action was taken.

New Zealand Police have confirmed an active investigation but have not publicly identified Mendes due to local privacy laws. No criminal charges have been filed, with authorities awaiting final forensic results.

The investigation comes as Cape Verde enjoy a historic World Cup campaign, with the Blue Sharks reaching the Round of 32, where they will face Argentina on July 3.