Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes faces sexual assault complaint during historic World Cup run

WELLINGTON: Cape Verde’s impressive World Cup campaign has been hit by controversy after a woman filed a sexual assault complaint against team captain Ryan Mendes. The complainant is reportedly the team’s Brazilian translator. She has alleged that Mendes sexually assaulted her during the team’s friendly matches in Auckland, New Zealand, in March. The woman has filed the complaint with New Zealand Police.

According to the complaint, Mendes invited her to a hotel on the pretext of an official meeting after Cape Verde’s match against Chile. She said that she left the place after realising his intentions. The woman alleged that Mendes later entered her room without permission and assaulted her. She also claimed that although she provided team officials with photographs of serious injuries, medical reports, and forensic examination results as evidence, they did not take any action against Mendes.

New Zealand Police have launched an investigation into the matter. Officials are examining the evidence submitted by the woman and CCTV footage from the hotel where the incident allegedly took place. Police said the investigation is still in its early stages and that no charges have been filed against anyone so far. Meanwhile, FIFA officials said they cannot make further comments as the investigation is ongoing.

The complaint comes at a time when Cape Verde has created history at the World Cup by qualifying for the knockout stage (Round of 32). The island nation became the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage. Cape Verde finished second in Group H after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in their final group match. In the Round of 32, Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi.