Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes under investigation for alleged rape of team translator in New Zealand
New Zealand police are investigating an alleged rape of a Brazilian translator by Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes during the March 2026 FIFA event. FIFA says it takes any allegation of misconduct seriously and is cooperating with authorities.
Ryan Mendes, captain of Cape Verde's men's national soccer team, is under investigation by New Zealand Police for an alleged rape of a Brazilian woman who was employed as the team's translator. The alleged incident occurred in March 2026 during the FIFA series/World Cup in New Zealand.
FIFA said it takes any allegation of misconduct seriously and is cooperating with New Zealand authorities.
According to Bluesky, a police complaint includes photos of bruises and a medical report recording injuries on the Brazilian woman. Times of India reported that police are reviewing CCTV and forensic evidence as part of the investigation. USA TODAY reported that a decision on whether Mendes will be charged will not be made until the investigation, including forensic analysis, is complete.
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