LOS ANGELES.- The captain of Cape Verde, Ryan Mendeswhich disputes the North America World Cup 2026is the subject of a rape complaint in New Zealand presented by a Brazilian, according to the Brazilian media O Globo.
The events would have taken place on March 27 at the hotel in Auckland where the African team stayed during the friendly matches organized by the FIFA in Oceania with a view to the World Cup.
A Brazilian citizen, hired by the New Zealand federation to act as an interpreter, accuses the captain of the Blue Sharks of having forcibly entered her room and then beaten and raped her.
Local police opened an investigation on April 10.
According to O Globo, the alleged victim sent notifications to the Federation of Cape Verde already FIFA to request the player’s exclusion from the World Cup.
Apparently, neither of the two entities responded to their requests, according to the media.
The Federation of Cape Verde, consulted by AFP, did not want to comment. FIFA, which has also been consulted, has also not commented, but stated that it is “in contact with the New Zealand authorities.”
“As a general rule (…) independent judicial bodies do not comment on accusations that they may or may not have received, nor on the possible existence of ongoing investigations related to reported cases,” the agency added.
Mendes, 36, is the player with the most caps (99) for the Blue Sharks and the top scorer in Cape Verde history (22 goals).
The end of the Igdir FK of Türkiyewho began his career in Le Havre, Franceplayed all three games in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup with his team, which achieved a historic qualification for the round of 32.
Cape Verde will face Argentina on friday in Miami.
Parreira is “stable”
The former Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreiraadmitted to intensive care for lung inflammation, is in “stable” condition after undergoing an operation due to “complications,” the hospital where he is being treated reported on Sunday. Rio de Janeiro.
Parreira, 83, who led Brazil to win his fourth world title in United States 1994has been suffering from a Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
He underwent surgery on Saturday for “cauterization of a nosebleed, which was performed successfully,” the hospital detailed. Samaritan Barrawhere he has been admitted since June 16.
His health status is “stable”, but he remains “sedated” and “on assisted breathing,” the private hospital said.
