Cape Verde World Cup captain Ryan Mendes has been accused of sexually assaulting a translator who worked with the national team during a trip to New Zealand earlier this year, according to reports from Brazilian media.
The allegations were first reported by Brazilian outlet Globo, which claims a Brazilian woman hired as a translator for Cape Verde’s squad during the March international break has accused the 36-year-old of rape.
The woman, whose identity has not been made public, alleged that Mendes entered her hotel room in Auckland and attacked her. She also claimed she informed multiple officials connected to Cape Verdean football about the incident but received no response.
According to her account, the alleged assault took place at the hotel where the Cape Verde national team was staying during a series of matches in New Zealand.
The claims emerge during what has otherwise been a historic World Cup campaign for Cape Verde. The African nation stunned many observers by holding Spain to a goalless draw in their opening match before becoming the smallest country ever to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
The translator told Globo that she had been contracted to assist the team during FIFA Series fixtures in New Zealand. She said she was invited to what she believed was an official team meeting following Cape Verde’s match against Chile on March 27. Upon arriving, however, she discovered it was a social gathering.
After returning to her room, she alleges Mendes followed her and knocked on her door. According to a statement reportedly provided to New Zealand Police, she opened the door before Mendes allegedly forced his way inside. She claims he then choked, punched and bit her before raping her.
The woman supplied Globo with photographs that appeared to show bruising around her neck. She also said she sought medical assistance from a clinic specialising in support for survivors of sexual violence, where a forensic examination was conducted.
According to the report, medical staff documented injuries including bruises to her neck, breasts and lips, while a genital examination allegedly identified two painful circular lesions.
The findings were reportedly forwarded to New Zealand Police on April 10 as part of the investigation.
On May 10, the woman and her husband submitted formal complaints to both FIFA and the Cape Verdean Football Federation. Alongside the complaint, they included medical evidence and requested that Mendes be prevented from participating in the World Cup.
The woman told Globo that she did not receive any response from FIFA.
Last month, the New Zealand Herald reported that authorities were investigating a sexual assault allegation involving a member of the Cape Verde national team. However, the individual at the centre of the investigation was not identified at that time.
