Cape Verde's historic qualification to the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup was marred by a situation outside the field of play. Days before the match against Argentina, one of the most recognized names of the African team appears linked to a judicial investigation opened in New Zealand.

Ryan Mendes, 36-year-old striker, captain of the national team and soccer player for Igdir FK of Turkey, faces a complaint for alleged rape filed during a friendly tour in Oceania months before the start of the tournament, according to information released by Globo Esporte.

The case dates back to March, when the Cape Verde team played two friendly matches in New Zealand territory. In this context, a Brazilian interpreter hired to assist the delegation told the authorities that she suffered a sexual assault after the match between Cape Verde and Chile played in Auckland on March 27.

According to the testimony cited by the Brazilian media, the woman was initially summoned to perform functions related to her work within the hotel where the team was staying. Upon arrival, he found an atmosphere of celebration with players from the national team. She later returned to her room when she felt unwell and stated that Ryan Mendes later forced his way in and committed the reported assault.

The complaint was formalized on April 10 at an Auckland police station.

Open investigation and response from institutions

According to the information released, the complainant received specialized medical care for survivors of sexual violence. During this evaluation, forensic examinations were carried out, the results of which, according to the report, identified injuries in genital areas and bruises in different parts of the body. That material was incorporated into the file.

The New Zealand police confirmed to the New Zealand Herald newspaper that there is an open investigation based on the complaint received, although they avoided offering additional comments on the content of the process or on the people involved.

When the case became public knowledge in May, the New Zealand Football Association referred the matter to FIFA. Andrew Pragnell, executive director of the organization, indicated that the communication to the governing body of football was made “based on the reports,” as reproduced by Globo Esporte.

FIFA also responded to the Brazilian media in a statement. “It treats any complaint of inappropriate conduct with the utmost seriousness and has a clear process for anyone involved with football to report an incident,” the body said.

The entity added: "It is in contact with the New Zealand authorities. We will not be making any further comments at this time."

Furthermore, he pointed out that "as a general rule, FIFA's independent judicial bodies do not comment on complaints they may or may not have received, nor do they confirm or deny the existence of ongoing investigations into alleged cases. If they decide to make any information public, it will be done at the time and in the manner they consider appropriate."

While the process continues in the investigation stage, the Cape Verde national team is going through the most important sporting moment in its history after advancing for the first time to the knockout phase of a World Cup. The team had played two friendlies in New Zealand in March: a 4-2 defeat against Chile and a 1-1 draw against the host team.

The complainant also maintained that she tried to seek support within the Cape Verde Football Federation after what happened, although she stated that she had not received support and that she continued the procedure through local organizations and corresponding medical assistance.