New Zealand Police say an allegation involving Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes was not substantiated. A woman has been charged with making a false statement and is due in court.
New Zealand Police say an allegation of sexual offending involving Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes was not substantiated after an investigation. Police have charged a 40-year-old woman with making a false statement; she is due to appear in Auckland District Court on 10 November.
What police have confirmed
In a 4 November statement, Auckland City Police said it had completed enquiries into a reported incident at a central Auckland hotel. Police said the allegation had not been substantiated and confirmed the charge against the woman under New Zealand’s Crimes Act.
The police statement does not name Mendes. The Associated Press identified him as the player involved, citing his lawyer, and reported that he had not been charged. Mendes’ lawyer said his client welcomed the conclusion of the inquiry.
The charge is not a conviction
The new charge is a separate court matter. The woman has not been convicted, and the charge itself does not establish guilt. Police have not publicly detailed the evidence behind their decisions and said they could not comment further.
The distinction is essential: police say the original allegation was not substantiated; the court will determine the separate charge. The available public record does not support describing the woman as guilty or presenting the charge as a proven false report.
Mendes’ football career
Mendes, 36, is Cape Verde’s record appearance holder, with 103 caps, according to AP. The winger plays for Moroccan club RS Berkane and captained Cape Verde during its 2026 World Cup campaign.
The police outcome closes the investigation into the reported sexual-offending allegation, while the court process concerning the false-statement charge remains pending. This article will be updated if police or the court release further information.
Sources & further reading
- New Zealand Police: investigation concluded
Police statement on the outcome, charge and scheduled court appearance.
- AP: Police close investigation involving Cape Verde captain
Identifies Mendes, reports his lawyer’s response and career context.
External links open in a new tab. Facts are attributed; the interpretation above is Mr Anfield’s own.