When all the focus was on the historic match Cape Verde will play against the Argentine national team, a serious complaint shook the foundations of the African delegation. Ryan Mendes, captain and top star of the team, is under investigation by New Zealand police following an accusation of alleged sexual abuse.
According to Brazilian portal Globo Esporte, the complaint was filed on April 10 and is supported by photographs of injuries and a medical report documenting various wounds suffered by the complainant, a Brazilian woman residing in New Zealand.
The incident allegedly occurred on March 27 at a hotel in Auckland, where the Cape Verdean national team played a friendly against Chile during the last FIFA international break. The woman, who had been hired as an interpreter by the New Zealand Football Federation, said she was called to a hotel room believing she had to perform work tasks, but upon realizing it was a social gathering, she decided to leave. Minutes later, Mendes knocked on her door and, according to the complaint, physically assaulted her before sexually abusing her.
The investigation remains open, and New Zealand authorities are analyzing medical, audiovisual, and testimonial evidence. The complainant also attempted to contact the Cape Verdean Football Federation, FIFA, and the New Zealand Federation to request the player’s exclusion from the 2026 World Cup, but said she received no concrete response.
New Zealand police confirmed the case is under investigation but declined to provide details due to privacy regulations. New Zealand law provides for penalties of up to 20 years in prison for sexual violence crimes. However, there is no extradition treaty between New Zealand and Cape Verde, and so far there is no formal charge or measures preventing the forward’s participation in sports.
At 36 years old, Ryan Mendes is one of the most important footballers in Cape Verde’s history. He currently plays for Igdir FK in the Turkish Second Division and was key in his team’s historic qualification for their first World Cup. During the group stage, he started all three matches and remains a crucial piece for the coach.
Neither the Cape Verdean Federation nor FIFA have announced any sporting sanctions, so Mendes continues training normally while New Zealand’s justice system decides whether to file formal charges. The scandal threatens to overshadow Cape Verde’s debut in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face defending champion Argentina.
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khe bardeza flaca, otro negrito violín y la gilada defendiendolo. para mi este capitan de mierda es un chorro, asi nos va en el mundo. argentina a pasar de una, estos negros no merecen ni el respeto de la cancha. vamos los pibes que la patria no se mancha. basta de permitir esta basura
che otro capitan violín? para mí esto es el patriarcado en su maxima expresión, los tipos creen que pueden hacer cualkier cosa. fuera Ryan Mendes, dale lugar a las mujeres! justisia para la víctima, no más impunidad para estos machirulos. #NiUnaMenos