Ryan Mendes, the captain of Cape Verde, is currently under police investigation in New Zealand regarding allegations of rape. The allegations involve a Brazilian woman who had worked with the team during a FIFA Series event earlier this year.
According to reports from the New Zealand Herald, the incident allegedly occurred when Mendes forced his way into the woman's hotel room in Auckland. As of now, he has not been charged with any crime.
Details of the Investigation
This investigation comes after earlier reports in May, which indicated that authorities were looking into allegations against an unnamed Cape Verde footballer. FIFA has stated that it takes any allegations of misconduct very seriously and has established a clear reporting process.
A spokesperson for FIFA commented, “FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident.” The organization has confirmed that they are in contact with New Zealand authorities regarding this case.
Background on Ryan Mendes
At 36 years old, Mendes is not only the captain but also the record goalscorer for Cape Verde, having been capped 100 times. He has played in all of Cape Verde's matches during the World Cup, contributing to the team's unbeaten run in the group stage.
Following impressive performances against teams like Spain and Uruguay, Cape Verde has advanced to the last 32, where they are set to face Argentina on July 3rd in Miami. Mendes is anticipated to start in that match.
Other Players Facing Allegations
Ryan Mendes is not the only footballer facing serious allegations. Other players, including Achraf Hakimi from Morocco and Thomas Partey from Ghana, are also under scrutiny for similar charges. Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, impacting his participation in international matches.
- Ryan Mendes under investigation for rape allegations
- FIFA confirms awareness and involvement in the case
- Cape Verde's World Cup journey continues amid allegations
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