Cape Verde’s ahead #20 Ryan Mendes kicks the ball in the course of the 2026 World Cup Group H soccer match between and Cape Verde on the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on June 21, 2026. (Photograph by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP through Getty Pictures) Getty
FIFA mentioned it’s in touch with authorities after a Brazilian lady alleged she sought assist from officers with the Cape Verde Soccer Federation earlier than and after reporting Ryan Mendes to police, in line with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte.
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The newest report from ge shifts the main target from the allegation itself to how the matter was dealt with by soccer authorities after the lady mentioned she reported what had occurred.
Mendes, Cape Verde’s captain, has performed in all three of the crew’s matches throughout its Cinderella run to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. New Zealand police are investigating the matter. No costs towards Mendes have been introduced, and the allegation has not been confirmed in court docket.
FIFA Points Assertion
FBL-WC-2026-MATCH37-URU-CPV
GettyCape Verde’s ahead Ryan Mendes kicks the ball in the course of the 2026 World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Cape Verde on the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on June 21, 2026.
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In a press release supplied to O Globo, FIFA mentioned it treats allegations of misconduct severely however declined to touch upon any potential investigation.
“FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extraordinarily severely and has a transparent course of for anybody in soccer who desires to report an incident.
“As a normal rule, you will need to perceive that impartial judicial our bodies don’t touch upon allegations they could or might not have obtained, nor on whether or not or not there are ongoing investigations into the alleged circumstances.
“Any data they want to share will probably be communicated at their discretion.
“FIFA is in touch with the New Zealand authorities. Please perceive that we can not remark additional at the moment.”
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New Zealand Soccer additionally declined to touch upon the substance of the case.
“We perceive that this matter is with the New Zealand Police, so they might be extra appropriately positioned to touch upon the scenario.”
Girl Says She Contacted Cape Verde Federation Officers
In line with ge, the Brazilian lady mentioned she first contacted an operations worker with the Cape Verde Soccer Federation earlier than submitting a police criticism and later reached out to 2 further federation officers after reporting the matter to New Zealand authorities.
The outlet reported that screenshots of these conversations had been included in formal authorized notices despatched to each the Cape Verde Soccer Federation and FIFA.
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In line with ge, one federation official allegedly wrote in a message that the matter was “Ryan’s private drawback.” The lady reportedly responded that she believed it additionally concerned the federation as a result of she had been working with the Cape Verde delegation when the alleged incident occurred.
Globo Esporte reported that one other federation official acknowledged the secretary-general had been knowledgeable of the matter and that it was being dealt with by the suitable individuals.
The outlet mentioned it sought remark from the officers concerned. One former federation government mentioned he not labored for the group and was not a part of the delegation in New Zealand. The opposite officers had not publicly responded on the time of publication.
FIFA World Cup Highlight Intensifies
The developments come as Cape Verde prepares for a Spherical of 32 showdown with after turning into one of many largest shock tales of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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As of Sunday, neither FIFA nor the Cape Verde Soccer Federation had introduced disciplinary motion involving Mendes, and there was no public indication that he can be unavailable for the knockout match.
The New Zealand police investigation stays ongoing.
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