Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is being investigated by police in New Zealand over allegations of rape, according to reports.
The New Zealand Herald claims the 36-year-old, who is his country’s record goalscorer, has been accused of raping a Brazilian woman who worked with the team during a FIFA Series event earlier this year.
The woman has alleged that Mendes forced his way into her room at an Auckland hotel before raping her.
The player is under investigation and has not yet been charged.
It was previously reported in May that authorities were investigating a then-unamed Cape Verde footballer.
In a statement given to The Athletic, a FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident.
“As a general rule, please understand that the independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, or whether or not investigations are underway into alleged cases. Any information they may like to share will be communicated at their discretion.
“FIFA is in contact with the New Zealand authorities. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage.”
Mendes, who has been capped 100 times by Cape Verde, has played all three of his country’s matches at the World Cup.
The African nation have earned plaudits for remaining unbeaten in the group stage – drawing against European champions Spain, two-time winners Uruguay and Saudi Arabia – and progressing to the last 32, where they will meet champions Argentina.
Mendes is expected to start again as Cape Verde play Argentina in Miami on 3rd July.
Two other players at the World Cup are facing allegations of rape: Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Ghana’s Thomas Partey.
The latter, charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025 by London’s Metropolitan Police, was denied entry to Canada for Ghana’s opening game against Panama, but played vs England in Boston.