New Zealand police are investigating Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes (36) on suspicion of assault. A Brazilian translator who assisted the team during two friendly matches in March accuses the World Cup player of assaulting her in a hotel in Auckland. This is reported by Brazilian broadcaster "Globo". Mendes is presumed innocent.
According to the accounts available to "Globo", the incident allegedly occurred on March 27, the night after the friendly match against Chile (2:4). The woman, hired by the New Zealand football association as an interpreter and assistant for the Cape Verde team, was allegedly invited to a room reserved for the team. She assumed she was supposed to translate there, but found that it was a private gathering and returned to her room.
Shortly afterward, there was allegedly a knock at her door. When she opened it, Mendes allegedly forcibly entered, physically attacked her, before assaulting her. Still at the hotel, she photographed injuries to her mouth, neck, and leg. A forensic report from a specialist clinic documents several bruises.
Police Confirm Investigation
New Zealand police confirmed the case without providing details or names. "New Zealand Police can confirm an investigation is underway into a report made to us on April 10, 2026, in the Central Auckland region", they stated according to "Reuters". Investigators have already reviewed footage from the hotel's security cameras and are waiting for the results of the forensic examination. Only then will a decision be made about filing charges.
The woman and her husband reportedly contacted the Cape Verdean association and FIFA in May to seek a World Cup suspension for the player. Initially, there was no response.
FIFA Responds, Association Remains Silent
The world governing body later stated that it takes every allegation of misconduct "extremely seriously" and is in contact with New Zealand authorities. There was initially no statement from the Cape Verdean football association, and Mendes himself has not commented.
The 36-year-old is under contract with Turkish second division club Igdir FK and played in all three group stage matches at the World Cup. As group runners-up, World Cup debutants Cape Verde surprisingly advanced to the knockout round and will face Argentina there. In the event of a conviction, New Zealand law provides for up to 20 years in prison. However, there is no extradition agreement between the two countries.
