Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Investigated for Rape

Ryan Mendes, the captain of the Cape Verdean national soccer team, is under investigation for allegedly raping a Brazilian translator during the team's trip to New Zealand for a FIFA World Cup game. The incident reportedly occurred in a hotel room after the translator, hired for the trip, realized she did not need to translate for a social gathering.

When she returned to her room, Mendes allegedly forced his way in, choked her, and assaulted her. The New Zealand police are currently collecting security camera footage from the Auckland hotel and awaiting forensic investigation results to determine whether to charge Mendes.

The Cape Verdean soccer authorities have not responded to inquiries regarding the case. FIFA has stated that it takes allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and has contacted New Zealand authorities, although they have not confirmed whether an investigation is underway.