World Cup: Cape Verde Captain Investigated for Alleged Rape

Cape Verde's World Cup captain, Ryan Mendes, is currently under investigation for alleged rape in New Zealand. According to Brazilian newspaper Globoesporte, the case involves a Brazilian national residing in New Zealand and reportedly occurred in March, when the "Blue Sharks" were in the country for two preparatory matches against Chile on March 27th and the local national team on March 30th.

The complaint states that the incident took place precisely on March 27th at the hotel where the Cape Verde delegation was staying in Auckland. The Brazilian woman, who lives in New Zealand on a residence and work visa, was part of the FIFA Series event, which included the two matches. She was contracted by the New Zealand federation as an interpreter and for operational support for the Cape Verdean team, and was therefore accommodated at the team's hotel.

The woman reported to the police that after the first match against Chile, she was invited to a meeting in one of the rooms reserved for the team at the hotel. She attended, assuming she would be needed as an interpreter. However, she observed that it was a social gathering and returned to her room feeling unwell. She stated that shortly after, she heard a knock at her door and opened it, thinking it was a request for work assistance. It was at this moment, according to the filed complaint, that Ryan Mendes allegedly entered the room, physically assaulted her, attempted to suffocate her, and punched and bit her. The complainant reportedly defended herself, but the 36-year-old Igdir FC footballer then proceeded with the alleged rape.

According to the same source, the Brazilian woman took photos of her bruises and went to a clinic for sexual assault victims. A medical report identified multiple purple marks on her breasts, neck, and lips, as well as sensitive areas on her scalp and buttocks. The genital examination, according to Globoesporte, recorded "two circular lesions, painful to the touch, at the base of the labia minora." When questioned by the media outlet, New Zealand police confirmed an ongoing inquiry, but due to strict privacy laws in the country, they did not disclose the names of those involved. The complaint was officially registered on April 10th.