Ryan Mendes Faces Investigation Over Alleged Hotel Room Sexual Assault
Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes is being investigated by New Zealand authorities following allegations that he sexually assaulted a translator during the team’s visit to the country earlier this year.
According to Brazilian media, the alleged victim, a Brazilian woman employed as the team’s translator, said the incident occurred in March while Cape Verde was in New Zealand for the FIFA Series tournament.
In her statement to police, the woman said she attended what she believed was a work meeting in one of the players’ hotel rooms after Cape Verde’s match against Chile.
However, after realizing the gathering was purely social, she returned to her own room.
She alleged that Mendes later knocked on her door and, after she opened it, forced his way inside. The woman accused the footballer of physically attacking and raping her during the encounter.
The translator reportedly submitted photographs showing injuries to her neck, mouth, leg and torso as part of the police investigation.
She also claimed she informed several officials linked to Cape Verdean football after the alleged assault but received no response.
New Zealand Police have reportedly obtained security camera footage from the hotel and are awaiting forensic examination results before determining whether charges will be filed.
Although New Zealand media first reported the case last month, the identity of the player at the centre of the investigation was not disclosed until Brazilian outlet Globo identified Mendes.
The 36-year-old forward has continued to represent Cape Verde and has not publicly addressed the allegations.
FIFA said it is aware of the matter and remains in contact with New Zealand authorities. Football’s governing body added that it treats allegations of misconduct seriously but declined to comment further while the investigation is ongoing.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no charges have been announced. Mendes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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