Ryan Mendes, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde’s captain, is being investigated by police for an alleged s*xual assault on a translator who once worked with the team, Globo Esporte, a Brazilian media outlet, has reported.
The development is unfolding right in the middle of Cape Verde’s historic campaign at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the report, New Zealand police are investigating the alleged incident that occurred on March 27, 2026, at a hotel in Auckland during the Cape Verde squad’s participation in the FIFA Friendly Series tournament held in the country.
The complainant, an unidentified Brazilian woman, was hired by the Cape Verdean federation to provide translation and operational support during the tournament.
In her statement, the complainant detailed how Mendes allegedly forced his way into her hotel room one night and choked, punched, and bit her before s*xually assaulting her.
The report said medical and forensic examinations later documented
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