Cape Verde national soccer team captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation in New Zealand after a team translator accused him of rape during the squad's trip to the country earlier this year, according to multiple media reports.
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Brazilian outlet Globo reported that the alleged incident occurred in March while Cape Verde was in New Zealand for international matches. The woman, who was hired as a translator for the team, told police Mendes entered her hotel room and sexually assaulted her.
The woman also alleged she reported the incident to multiple officials connected to Cape Verde's soccer federation but did not receive a response, according to the reports.
New Zealand police are investigating the allegation. Brazilian media reported that investigators have obtained hotel security footage and are awaiting forensic results before determining whether charges will be filed.
The alleged assault was first reported by New Zealand media last month, though the player involved was not publicly identified at the time.
Mendes, 36, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
FIFA said it is aware of the reports and is in contact with New Zealand authorities.
The governing body said it takes allegations of misconduct "extremely seriously" but declined to comment further or confirm details of any ongoing investigation.
Mendes has served as captain of Cape Verde, which advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after a historic tournament run. Before the allegations surfaced publicly, he had appeared in all three of the team's World Cup matches.
As of Sunday, no criminal charges had been announced in connection with the investigation.
