Cape Verde HubThe Cape Verde national team is embroiled in a crisis after captain Ryan Mendes was accused of rape. The incident occurred in New Zealand in March this year, according to information from the GE Portal.
What happened?
The Brazilian woman who accused the player was hired by the New Zealand Federation for the support team during Fifa international friendlies.
Why is this important for Cape Verde?
The Cape Verdean team is in the 2026 World Cup and the accusation may affect the team's performance.
What comes next?
The local police have been investigating the case since April and extrajudicial notifications have been sent to the Cape Verde Federation and Fifa.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2026 | Rape accusation against Ryan Mendes |
| April 2026 | Start of local police investigation |
The Cape Verde team has become the sensation of the World Cup by finishing the first phase undefeated and qualified in a group with champions Spain and Uruguay.
