Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is reportedly under investigation after he was accused of raping a team translator earlier this year.
Mendes is currently leading the Cape Verde team at the World Cup, where the African nation sprung a surprise by qualifying for the knock-out stages of the competition.
The 36-year-old winger, who has played in each of their group matches, is said to be under investigation by police in New Zealand.
Brazilian outlet Globo reported that Mendes was accused of sexually assaulting a Brazilian woman when Cape Verde were in Auckland back in March.
The alleged incident occurred on March 27, the same date Cape Verde were beaten 4-2 by Chile.
Cape Verde then played New Zealand three days later, with the match ending in a draw before Cape Verde won on penalties.
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is reportedly under investigation over an alleged rape following a friendly match in New Zealand back in March
The alleged victim reportedly told police that she had been contracted by the New Zealand Football Federation to act as a translator for the Cape Verde team during their trip.
Mendes was claimed to have entered her hotel room before strangling, punching and biting her, before raping the alleged victim as she tried to defend herself.
Globo stated that a medical report noted bruising in several areas of her body, such as her neck, lips, and areas of tenderness.
The report added: ‘The genital examination revealed “two circular lesions, painful to the touch, at the base of the labia minora.”
‘The clinic’s examination results were sent to the New Zealand police on April 10th, and the Brazilian woman filed a police report, undergoing a forensic examination at the police station.’
New Zealand police have confirmed an investigation is underway, but have not confirmed the identity of the accused in line with the country’s privacy laws.
The alleged victim and her husband reportedly sent requests to the Cape Verde Football Federation and FIFA requesting Mendes was blocked from playing at the World Cup.
Cape Verde Football Federation reportedly declined to comment on the case, while FIFA issued a statement on Saturday.
Mendes, 36, has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s matches at the World Cup
‘FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process for anyone in football who wants to report an incident,’ a FIFA statement read.
‘As a general rule, it is important to understand that independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, nor on whether or not there are ongoing investigations into the alleged cases. Any information they wish to share will be communicated at their discretion.
‘FIFA is in contact with the New Zealand authorities. Please understand that we cannot comment further at this time.’
Cape Verde have enjoyed a surprise run at the World Cup, with the debutants finishing as runners-up in a group containing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
The African nation drew all three of their matches to finish as runners-up behind Spain to progress to the last-32.
Cape Verde will face holders Argentina on July 3.
