Ryan Mendes cleared by New Zealand police; accuser charged with false statement

New Zealand police on Friday dismissed a rape allegation made against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes relating to an alleged sexual assault at a hotel in central Auckland in March, and the 40-year-old woman who made the complaint has been charged with making a false statement under New Zealand’s Crimes Act.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard confirmed the allegation had not been substantiated following months of investigation and said, "A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team." The alleged incident reportedly occurred hours after Cape Verde faced Chile in an international friendly in Auckland; Chile won the match 4-2.

Mendes’s lawyer, Karl Trotter, said the allegation had subjected his client to intense international media scrutiny, noting the issue repeatedly arose during media interactions following Cape Verde’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 36-year-old captain was reportedly asked about the allegation at almost every media conference he attended, which Trotter said made it difficult for Mendes to move past the controversy.

"Mr. Mendes was thrilled to finally be able to get this behind him and he regards it as a complete vindication," Trotter told the New Zealand Herald. He added, "It is to be hoped that this recent turn of events, clearing Mr. Mendes of the allegation of rape, attracts the same level of media attention as the original reporting," he said.

Mendes is Cape Verde’s most-capped player, having made 103 appearances for the national team since his debut in 2010, and has been one of the experienced figures in a squad whose performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup attracted global attention. Cape Verde reached the Round of 32 after picking up points against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage before their campaign ended with an extra-time defeat to Argentina in the knockout stage; at club level Mendes represents Moroccan side RS Berkane.

The woman charged with making a false statement is expected to appear in court next week; with the police decision to dismiss the allegation and lay a charge against the complainant, Mendes will hope to put the controversy behind him and return his focus to football.