New Zealand police have charged a woman with making a false statement following a sexual assault investigation into Cape Verde's World Cup captain Ryan Mendes, after the allegation against him was not substantiated.
The charge comes after months of investigation by the Adult Sexual Assault Team into the allegation against Mendes. Mendes remained free to play during the investigation and will not face charges.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said the allegation has not been substantiated. "A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team," Beard said. The woman is due to appear in court.
The allegations resurfaced during the World Cup earlier this year as Mendes guided Cape Verde to the Round of 32. At the time, FIFA said it takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident. FIFA noted that independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, and said it was in contact with New Zealand authorities.
Mendes started and captained Cape Verde in all four of their World Cup matches, including the 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina in the Round of 32, where he played the first 80 minutes.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The case highlights the legal consequences for false statements in sexual assault investigations, which can deter genuine reporting.
- It clears the name of a prominent international footballer during a major tournament, affecting his reputation and career.
- The outcome may influence how similar allegations are handled in sports, balancing presumption of innocence with victim support.
Background
Sexual assault allegations against high-profile athletes often draw intense public scrutiny. In this case, the allegation was made during the World Cup, adding pressure on both the player and the judicial process. New Zealand police conducted a months-long investigation before concluding the allegation was unsubstantiated.
Key Perspectives
- New Zealand Police: The allegation against Mendes has not been substantiated, and a woman has been charged with making a false statement.
- FIFA: Takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process for reporting; independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations, and FIFA was in contact with New Zealand authorities.
What to Watch
- The outcome of the woman's court appearance on November 10.
- Any further statement from Mendes or Cape Verde football authorities.
- Whether this case prompts changes in how football bodies handle allegations during tournaments.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedA woman was charged with making a false statement in the Ryan Mendes case.7NEWS: “Instead, a 40-year-old woman has been charged with making a false statement.”
- SupportedNew Zealand police said the allegation against Mendes was unsubstantiated.7NEWS: ““Detective Inspector Scott Beard says the allegation has not been substantiated,” NZ Police said in a statement.”
- SupportedThe woman was charged after a sexual assault investigation into Cape Verde’s World Cup captain Ryan Mendes.7NEWS: “New Zealand police have charged a woman following a sexual assault investigation into Cape Verde’s World Cup captain Ryan Mendes.”
- SupportedThe investigation involved months of work by the Adult Sexual Assault Team.7NEWS: ““A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team,” Detective Inspector Beard said.”
- SupportedBeard said, “A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team.”7NEWS: ““A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team,” Detective Inspector Beard said.”
- SupportedMendes remained free to play during the investigation and will not face charges.7NEWS: “He had not been charged at the time, and will not face any after the investigation wrapped up this week. ... Mendes remained free to play during the investigation.”
- SupportedThe woman is due to appear in court.7NEWS: “She is due to face an Auckland court on November 10.”
- SupportedThe allegations resurfaced during the World Cup earlier this year as Mendes guided Cape Verde to the Round of 32.7NEWS: “Allegations against Mendes resurfaced during the World Cup earlier this year as he guided the tiny African country to the Round of 32.”
- SupportedFIFA said it takes allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and has a process for reporting incidents in football.7NEWS: ““FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident,” FIFA said at the time.”
- SupportedFIFA said its independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, and that FIFA was in contact with New Zealand authorities.7NEWS: ““As a general rule, please understand that the independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, or whether or not investigations are underway into alleged cases. ... “FIFA is in contact with the New Zealand authorities.”
- SupportedMendes started and captained Cape Verde in all four of their World Cup matches.7NEWS: “Mendes started and captained Cape Verde in their four matches at the World Cup.”
- SupportedMendes played the first 80 minutes of Cape Verde’s 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina in the Round of 32.7NEWS: “He played the first 80 minutes of the nation’s 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina in the Round of 32.”