World Cup captain cleared of rape allegation after ‘false testimony’

The player will not face charges.

Police in New Zealand were investigating the allegation, after Mendes had been accused of raping a Brazilian woman during a FIFA series event in March, but following enquiries into the case, they have chosen not to bring any charges against Mendes.

Per the Athletic, "A woman has been charged with filing a false statement," in relation to the allegation.

The Athletic's report includes the following statement from a spokesperson for the New Zealand police force, who 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 woman has been summoned and is scheduled to appear in front of a district court in Auckland next week, on November 10th.

Mendes' lawyers issued the following the statement, published on social media by the Cape Verde football federation.

It reads: "Previously, social media outlets reported that Ryan Mendes, captain of the Cape Verde national football team in the recent FIFA World Cup, was under investigation for a violation that occurred on March 27, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand.

"The alleged violation led to a civil lawsuit filed by a Brazilian lawyer on behalf of the complainant residing in New Zealand, amounting to “... not less than $800,000”.

"The New Zealand Police have written to the lawyer that they have concluded the investigation into the case and that Mr. Mendes will not be charged.

"Today, in relation to this case, the police have charged a woman, under section 111.1 of the Penal Code of 1961, for giving false testimony.

"It is expected that this recent turnaround, which exonerated Mr. Mendes of the accusation of violation, will attract the same level of media attention as the original report."
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