New Zealand police announced today the filing of the rape charge against the captain of the Cape Verdean football team, Ryan Mendes, and accused the whistleblower of making false statements.
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06/11/2026
by
Lusa
O inspector Scott Beard stated that the allegation that sexual assault occurred at a hotel in central Auckland in March was not proven.
A 40-year-old woman was accused under the New Zealand Crimes Act of making false statements. He's due in court next week.
“ The decision to proceed with an accusation in these circumstances is not taken lightly and results from months of research work conducted by our Sexual Crimes against Adults Investigation Team ", said Beard.
The alleged assault occurred a few hours after Cape Verde faced Chile in a friendly game played in Auckland, which ended with a Chilean 4–2 victory.
Mendes' lawyer Karl Trotter stated that the prosecution led his client to face intense international media speculation. Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup and the theme of the alleged aggression was raised in virtually all press conferences in which Mendes participated.
“Mr. Mendes was very pleased to finally be able to leave this matter behind and considers that this decision constitutes a complete rehabilitation of his name,” Karl Trotter told New Zealand Herald.
“ It is hoped that this turn of events, which clears Mr Mendes of the charge of rape, will receive the same level of media attention that had the initial news.”
At the age of 36, Mendes is Cape Verde's most international player, adding 103 games by the team since its debut in 2010. ==References====External links==.