The captain of Cape Verde’s soccer team, which is set to play in Miami on Friday in the World Cup knockout stage, is under investigation for rape, according to Brazilian television network Globo.
Ryan Mendes, 36, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked for the team as a translator during matches played in New Zealand in March. The investigation, which will include forensic analysis, will reportedly decide whether Mendes, who has played all three Cape Verde matches, is charged with a crime.
Police confirmed the investigation to the New Zealand Herald but declined to offer specifics.
The Cape Verde team did not respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY. In a statement, FIFA, which reportedly has been aware of the investigation for several weeks, said it takes “any allegation of misconduct” seriously and was in contact with New Zealand authorities.
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According to Globo, the translator, a Brazilian woman, told authorities that Mendes entered her hotel room in Auckland and assaulted her physically and sexually. She underwent a sexual assault examination, which found lesions on her vagina as well as multiple bruises.
Cape Verde has been one of the World Cup’s surprises. The small West African island nation drew all three group stage matches and advanced to the knockout stage in its first tournament appearance.
Cape Verde will face Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, on Friday, July 3 in Miami.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cape Verde soccer captain reportedly faces sexual assault probe
Reporting by Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
