Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendez under Police investigation for alleged rape of Brazilian translator in Auckland

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The historic World Cup campaign of Cape Verde has been overshadowed by grave off-field developments, with team captain Ryan Mendes currently under investigation by New Zealand police over an alleged rape of a Brazilian woman at an Auckland hotel.

The alleged incident occurred on March 27, 2026, hours after Cape Verde’s FIFA Series friendly match against Chile at Eden Park. Mendes, 36, who ha started in all three of Cape Verde’s group matches at the World Cup, is scheduled to lead his team against defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 on Saturday.

The Allegation

The complainant, a Brazilian national lNew Zealand, was hired by New Zealand Football to serve as an interpreter and operational liaison for the Cape Verde delegation during the FIFA Series tournament. As a FIFA-mandated team support worker, she was staying at the team’s hotel in downtown Auckland and was on 24-hour standby to provide language and logistical services.

According to the complaint, after the Chile match, the woman was invited to what she believed was a work-related meeting in a team room at the hotel. Upon discovering it was a social gathering, she returned to her own room due to feeling unwell.

The complaint alleges that Mendes later knocked on her door. Believing it was work-related, she opened it—at which point Mendes allegedly forced his way inside.

Once inside, the woman alleges Mendes physically assaulted her—including strangling, punching, and biting her—before raping her as she attempted to defend herself.

Evidence and Medical Findings

The woman reportedly photographed her injuries and underwent examination at a medical facility specializing in support for sexual violence victims. She submitted photographs showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg, and side to New Zealand police.

Medical examination reportedly revealed bruising on her breasts, neck, and lips, as well as vaginal lesions. A clinic report noted “two circular lesions, painful to the touch, at the base of the labia minora”.

The complainant has also submitted a detailed statement along with medical records and forensic evidence. She continues to receive medical and psychological support.

Police Investigation

The complaint was formally registered with Auckland police on April 10, 2026. New Zealand police have confirmed an active investigation is ongoing, though no criminal charges have been filed against Mendes at this stage.

Authorities have secured CCTV footage from the hotel and are awaiting the results of forensic examinations. Due to New Zealand’s strict privacy laws, police have not publicly identified any suspect.

Cape Verde’s football federation has declined to comment on the case over the past seven weeks. When contacted, secretary-general Dan Merkel did not respond, while the federation’s media officer stated: “Hello, thank you for contacting us. An interview will not be possible”. Confidential correspondence from a Cape Verde official reportedly described the matter as “something for Ryan and his lawyers to deal with”.

Mendes’s manager and agent have also not responded to multiple inquiries over the past eight weeks.

FIFA and Legal Context

A Brazilian law firm representing the complainant has sent legal notices to Mendes in both Cape Verde and Turkey, where he plays for TFF 1. Lig club Iğdır. The firm has also formally notified FIFA, requesting that Mendes be barred from participating in the World Cup.

FIFA issued a statement saying it treats “any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously” and is in contact with New Zealand authorities. “Please understand that we cannot comment further at this stage,” the statement added.

Under New Zealand law, a conviction for sexual violence could carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

World Cup Campaign Continues

Despite the investigation, Mendes has remained with the Cape Verde squad. The Blue Sharks have made history by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s debut World Cup appearance, finishing as runners-up in Group H behind Spain.

The team is scheduled to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Miami on Friday. Mendes is expected to captain the side unless circumstances change.

Cape Verde officials have not confirmed whether the federation has initiated its own internal inquiry. The alleged victim has stated that she approached multiple Cape Verde football officials for assistance following the incident but received no response.

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