Cape Verde’s national football team captain, Ryan Mendes, has been accused of rape by a team translator, according to a report from Brazil’s Globo news outlet. The incident allegedly took place in March during the team’s trip to New Zealand for a match.
The 36-year-old Mendes, who has played in all three of Cape Verde’s World Cup games, is accused of sexually assaulting a Brazilian woman hired as the team’s translator.
The woman claims Mendes entered her hotel room, choked, punched, bit, and raped her after she returned to her room following a team gathering. She reported the incident to at least three Cape Verdean soccer officials, but reportedly received no response.
New Zealand police are currently investigating the case. Authorities have collected CCTV footage from the Auckland hotel and are awaiting forensic results before deciding whether to press charges against Mendes. The alleged assault was first reported by New Zealand media last month, but Mendes’ identity had not been disclosed until now.
The woman provided police with photographs of injuries to her mouth, neck, leg, and side. Mendes has not responded publicly to the allegations.
FIFA released a statement on Sunday, saying it is in contact with New Zealand authorities and takes all reports of misconduct extremely seriously, though the organization declined to comment further or confirm any ongoing investigation.
