Cape Verde national soccer team captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation for the alleged sexual assault of a female translator hired by the team, according to Brazilian news outlet Globo. The 36-year-old forward is accused of attacking the woman in her Auckland hotel room during a team trip to New Zealand in March.
Allegations detail violent assault
The translator, whose identity has not been released, told Globo that the incident occurred on March 27 after a match against Chile. She said she was invited to a hotel room for what she believed was a team meeting but found it to be a social gathering and returned to her own room. Mendes allegedly followed her, knocked on her door, and forced his way in when she answered.
According to the statement she gave New Zealand police, Mendes choked, punched, bit, and raped her. The woman provided photos showing bruising on her neck and sought treatment at a clinic for survivors of sexual violence, where a forensic exam was conducted. The clinic reportedly found bruises on her neck, breasts, and lips, and a genital exam revealed two circular lesions described as painful to the touch. All documentation has been handed to New Zealand authorities.
Police investigation underway
New Zealand police have collected security camera footage from the Auckland hotel and are awaiting forensic results before deciding whether to charge Mendes. The New Zealand Herald reported last month that a sexual assault involving a Cape Verde team member was under investigation, though Mendes was not named at that time. Mendes has not publicly responded to the accusations.
Cape Verde's World Cup run overshadowed
The allegations emerged during Cape Verde's historic World Cup campaign. The island nation became the smallest country to reach the knockout rounds, finishing second in Group H with three points, behind Spain and ahead of two-time champion Uruguay. They are scheduled to face defending champion Argentina in a round-of-32 match in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday.
No response from soccer authorities
The translator said she and her husband reported the incident to the Cape Verdean Football Federation and FIFA, providing the medical report and evidence, and requested that Mendes be barred from the World Cup. They received no response. Officials with the Cape Verde Football Association declined to comment to Globo. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the organization is in contact with New Zealand authorities and takes misconduct allegations extremely seriously, but cannot comment further while the investigation is ongoing.
