The World Cup has been rocked by another rape allegation, with Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, 36, reportedly under police investigation for sexually assaulting a Brazilian woman in a hotel room during a trip to New Zealand in March 2025. The alleged victim, who has not been identified, told Brazilian media she and her husband sent complaints to the Cape Verde Football Federation and FIFA, requesting that Mendes be banned from participating in the World Cup. She claims she never received a response from FIFA.
FIFA Statement and Police Response
In a statement to Brazilian publication O Globo, FIFA said it takes allegations of misconduct "extremely seriously" and confirmed it is in contact with police in New Zealand, but refused to comment further on any potential investigation. "FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process for anyone in football who wants to report an incident," the statement read. "As a general rule, it is important to understand that independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, nor on whether or not there are ongoing investigations into the alleged cases. Any information they wish to share will be communicated at their discretion. FIFA is in contact with the New Zealand authorities. Please understand that we cannot comment further at this time."
Police declined to confirm whether Mendes is being investigated, telling New Zealand outlet Stuff that they have "privacy obligations" and "cannot respond to requests that seek to confirm or deny whether an identified individual is the subject of a police investigation."
Mendes' Career and World Cup Campaign
Mendes, who currently plays for Turkish second division side Iğdır and had a loan spell with Nottingham Forest during the 2015/16 season, has captained Cape Verde throughout their debut World Cup campaign. The team has defied the odds, holding former winners Spain and Uruguay, as well as Saudi Arabia, to draws, becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the knockout stages. They face reigning world champions Argentina in the Round of 32 in Miami on Friday.
Context of Other Allegations
This allegation comes after it was confirmed earlier in the tournament that Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape, and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey played against England having been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. Mendes has yet to respond to the allegations.
