A woman who accused Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes of rape has been charged with making false statements to police, The Athletic reports.
As reported by İdman.Biz, the allegations against the footballer first emerged in June during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when a Brazilian woman living in New Zealand accused Mendes of sexual assault.
According to her initial account, the alleged incident took place on March 27 at a hotel in Auckland. She claimed that Mendes had physically assaulted her, including choking and biting her, before raping her. The woman subsequently underwent a forensic medical examination and filed a complaint with police.
However, following a months-long investigation, New Zealand police have now charged the 40-year-old woman with making false statements. She is scheduled to appear before Auckland District Court on November 10.
The investigation into Mendes has been closed.
"The decision to prosecute in circumstances such as these is not taken lightly and is the result of months of work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team," Detective Inspector Scott Beard said, as quoted by The Athletic.
Mendes, who captained Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup, joined Moroccan club RS Berkane (RSB) during the summer transfer window.
The 36-year-old forward has been one of the most experienced players in Cape Verde's national team, playing a key role in the country's historic qualification for its first FIFA World Cup.
