Cape Verde’s national soccer team captain, Ryan Mendes, is facing allegations of sexual assault, including rape, according to multiple reports. NBC News and The Independent say an alleged victim, represented by an attorney, accuses Mendes of rape/sexual assault of a woman who worked as a translator for the team. Other outlets report similar claims, describing the allegation as sexual assault of a Brazilian woman hired to be the team’s translator. The Independent reports that FIFA has been in contact with New Zealand law enforcement regarding the matter, and that FIFA does not provide further comment.
Several sources also link the timing of the allegations to an overseas trip in March, when Cape Verde played in New Zealand and when the translator was reportedly hired. A Brazilian outlet, Globo, is cited by multiple publications as the origin of the report, including claims that the incident occurred during the team’s March stay in Auckland.
The reports present allegations as unproven and do not include findings from any court or investigative outcome.
