FIFA investigates complaint against Ryan Mendes, Cape Verde captain

FIFA contacts New Zealand authorities regarding a complaint against Cape Verde captain.

Publicado 29 junio, 2026 el 29 de junio a las 19:30 | 2 mins reading |1,687 vistas | por Miguel Torres

FIFA confirmed that it has already initiated contacts with the New Zealand authorities following the complaint of sexual assault filed by a Brazilian woman against Ryan Mendes, forward and captain of the Cape Verde national team. The player will face Argentina in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

The facts according to the complaint

The Brazilian newspaper O Globo revealed that the sexual assault occurred in Auckland, New Zealand, where local police are investigating the case. The complainant worked as an interpreter for the Cape Verde team during a tour of Oceania last March. According to her story, Mendes entered her room, physically assaulted her and then sexually assaulted her. The outlet published photographs of the injuries suffered by the woman and a WhatsApp conversation in which an official from the Cape Verde federation described the incident as “Ryan’s personal matter,” without offering support.

FIFA’s position

After the spread of the case, organizations requested the exclusion of Mendes from the 2026 World Cup. The Cape Verdean Football Federation and FIFA were notified of the incident. In a statement sent to O Globo, the entity chaired by Gianni Infantino stated:

“FIFA takes any reports of inappropriate conduct very seriously and has a clear procedure for anyone in the football community who wishes to report an incident.”

The text adds that independent judicial bodies do not comment on complaints received or ongoing investigations. “Any information they wish to share will be disclosed at their discretion. We cannot comment further at the moment,” FIFA concludes.

The Cape Verde team, which faces Argentina, is under scrutiny as the investigation progresses in New Zealand.

Sports

The great goal from Cape Verde that FIFA chose as the best of the World Cup

FIFA awarded Sidny Lopes Cabral's goal against Argentina as the best of the 2026 World Cup.

Publicado 38 minutes ago el 27 de julio a las 21:09 | 2 mins reading

The 2026 World Cup left memorable goals, but none like that of Sidny Lopes Cabral. FIFA confirmed that his spectacular score with Cape Verde against Argentina was chosen as the Best Goal of the World Cup. A recognition that rewards technique, daring and pure quality.

How the goal was born

Cabral left Alexis Mac Allister behind with an individual action. Finding space, he took a powerful shot with effect that was embedded in Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez’s corner. The goal meant a partial 2-2 draw and put the then world champion on the ropes, who ended up winning 3-2 in extra time.

What the author said

“When I looked up and saw the ball going over there, I thought, ‘What did I just do?’ “I couldn’t believe it,” the 23-year-old defender recalled. The play went viral and was considered one of the best in recent World Cup history.

In the middle of the celebration, Cabral ran to the stands to share the moment with his family. His mother, Teresa, had fainted from emotion. The appointment unleashed nostalgia and enthusiasm among fans, who supported Cabral in the official votes. His goal represented one of the great stories of the tournament.

Sports

Cruz Azul boasts management and titles under the presidency of Velázquez

Cruz Azul broke a 23-year drought and boasts 86% undefeated matches between 2024 and 2026.

Publicado 1 hour ago el 27 de julio a las 20:33 | 2 mins reading

The Cruz Azul board of directors, headed by Víctor Velázquez Rangel, reported that the club has established itself as a benchmark in sports and financial management. Since taking office in 2021, the institution has ended a drought of more than 23 years without a Liga MX title.

The titles achieved

In this period, Cruz Azul won two Liga MX championships: Clausura 2021 and Clausura 2026. It also won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2025, two Champions of Champions (2021 and 2026), two recognitions as Team of the Season (2025 and 2026) and the 2021 Super Cup.

In addition, the club achieved a record of 42 points in the Apertura 2024 and reached first place in the Concacaf ranking in 2025.

Stability on the field and finances

Between January 2024 and July 2026, Cruz Azul remained undefeated in 86% of its official matches. Of 135 matches, he had 74 wins, 42 draws and 19 losses. Coaches Joel Huiqui (100% undefeated), Vicente Sánchez (90%), Nicolás Larcamón (85%) and Martín Anselmi (81%) led during that period.

Financially, the board highlighted that the squad was recognized in 2024 as the ninth outside of Europe with the highest market revaluation. Players like Erik Lira, José Paradela and Carlos Rodríguez are among the most valuable in Liga MX. The club also has sponsors such as Cemento Cruz Azul, Novibet, Pirma and Nikko Autoparts.

Sports

Raúl Jiménez returns to Wolverhampton for a new challenge

Raúl Jiménez returns to Wolverhampton after his time at Fulham and the World Cup with Mexico.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 27 de julio a las 19:05 | 1 min reading

Return of Raúl Jiménez to Wolverhampton

After playing the World Cup with the Mexican National Team and taking a few days of rest, Raúl Jiménez returned to England to face a new stage in his career. The Mexican forward returned to the Wolverhampton facilities, the club where he experienced some of his best moments.

The team now plays in the Championship, the second division of English football. Jiménez arrives after a season at Fulham, where he stood out but did not reach a renewal agreement.

Reception at Molineux

The attacker was greeted with a big smile. In a video shared by the club, he is seen greeting teammates and the coaching staff. Wolves fans celebrated his return on social media, trusting that he will be a key part of their return to the Premier League.

Jiménez immediately participated in training, generating emotional reunions. His return represents renewed hope for fans who long to see the team in the top flight.