Ryan Mendes investigation closed as New Zealand police charge complainant

New Zealand police have concluded the sexual assault investigation linked to Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, saying the allegation was not substantiated. A 40-year-old woman has been charged with making a false statement. Associated Press and 7NEWS identified Mendes as the footballer involved; the police statement itself did not name him.

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In that statement, dated November 4, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said Auckland City Police received the allegation on April 10, 2026. It concerned alleged sexual offending at a hotel in central Auckland earlier in the year. Beard said the decision to bring the false-statement charge followed several months of work by the Adult Sexual Assault Team.

Police said the charge was brought under the Crimes Act and that the woman had been summonsed to Auckland District Court on November 10. The statement announced a charge and a scheduled appearance, not a conviction. Police declined further comment, leaving the detailed evidence gathered during the investigation outside the scope of their public account.

According to 7NEWS, the original allegation concerned March, during Cape Verde's visit to New Zealand for a friendly series also involving Finland and Chile. The outlet reported that Mendes had not been charged while the inquiry was under way and would not face charges after its conclusion. He had remained available to play during the investigation.

The case attracted attention during Cape Verde's World Cup campaign. 7NEWS reported that Mendes started as captain in all four of the team's matches and played 80 minutes of its 3-2 extra-time defeat by Argentina in the round of 32. FIFA said during the investigation that it was in contact with New Zealand authorities, but would not comment further on the matter.

Mendes' lawyer, Karl Trotter, told the New Zealand Herald that his client welcomed the outcome and viewed it as vindication, according to Associated Press. Trotter also said the allegation had prompted intense international media scrutiny. AP identified the 36-year-old as Cape Verde's record appearance holder, with 103 caps, and a player for Morocco's RS Berkane.