Ryan Mendes, captain of the Cape Verde national team, has been accused of rape by a Brazilian translator who worked with the squad during a trip to New Zealand earlier this year.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the alleged incident occurred in March during Cape Verde’s participation in the FIFA Series, with the woman claiming the 36-year-old footballer entered her hotel room and sexually assaulted her.
The translator, whose identity has not been disclosed, said she had been hired to assist the team during its matches in New Zealand and was invited to a gathering in one of the hotel rooms after the game against Chile.
She alleged that after realising her services were not required at the meeting, she returned to her room, only for Mendes to later knock on her door and force his way inside.
In a statement to New Zealand police, the woman claimed Mendes assaulted her physically before raping her. She reportedly submitted photographs showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg and side as part of the investigation.
The woman also told Brazilian media that she sought help from at least three officials within Cape Verdean football authorities but did not receive a response.
The case is currently under investigation by New Zealand police, who have collected security camera footage from the hotel in Auckland and are awaiting forensic results before deciding whether to file charges.
Mendes, who has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s World Cup matches and helped the nation reach the knockout stage for the first time, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
FIFA said it was aware of the matter and remained in contact with New Zealand authorities.
The organisation added that it takes allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously” but declined to comment further or confirm whether any formal disciplinary proceedings are underway.