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.
