'Next question': Fifa shuts down reporters over Cape Verde sexual assault allegation
Two journalists were prevented from asking questions today about the sexual assault allegations made against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes.
As revealed after a Herald investigation, Mendes is being investigated by New Zealand police over an alleged sexual assault in an Auckland hotel.
His identity was confirmed by extensive correspondence and documentation relating to the case that has been seen by the Herald and multiple sources close to the matter.
The complainant was working as a Fifa-mandated team support worker, a role defined and overseen by the sport’s world governing body. The alleged incident occurred during the Fifa tournament held in New Zealand in March.
The tournament included New Zealand, Finland, Chile and Cape Verde. It is understood that the alleged assault occurred hours after a match between Cape Verde and Chile at Eden Park on March 27 at the African team’s hotel in downtown Auckland.
At a Fifa press conference in Miami today, two English-speaking journalists attempted to ask Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitao Brito and defender Stopira about the alleged incident, but were both cut off by Fifa officials.
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is being investigated by New Zealand police over an alleged rape in an Auckland hotel. Photo / Getty Images
“There have been multiple media reports; I’ve spoken with an attorney as well who says she represents a woman who was raped by your team captain,” the first reporter asked.
“How is that impacting your team’s focus?”
They were promptly cut off by a Fifa official, who asked for the “next question” and for further questions to be “just about the game”.
Cape Verde are due to play Argentina in Miami in the Round of 32 tomorrow morning (NZT).
About 10 minutes later, a second journalist asked the coach and player about the allegation made against Mendes.
“Following on from this gentleman to my right, a serious allegation has been made against Ryan Mendes,” the journalist said.
“What is your response to those allegations and are you taking it seriously? If so, can you explain how, please?”
“Well, the team has already said that they are just answering questions regarding the match,” a second Fifa official responded.
“It’s our right to ask these questions,” the journalist replied.
“Just the match, please. Next,” the initial official said.
Fifa has been contacted for comment.
Cape Verde's Ryan Mendes participated in the four-nation Fifa tournament held in New Zealand in March. Photo / Photosport
Mendes was named in testimony and interviews given to police in New Zealand by the complainant. The Herald has also seen confidential correspondence from a Cape Verde official discussing the alleged incident.
The official said it was “something for Ryan and his lawyers to deal with”.
Fifa had been aware of the player’s identity for several weeks before his name was released.
No other Cape Verde player or official is under investigation.
The Herald’s exhaustive investigation has established:
- The complainant was a team liaison officer for Cape Verde at the Fifa Series tournament, and her appointment was co-ordinated by New Zealand Football, to an agreed set of specifications set by Fifa.
- The complainant was staying at the Cape Verde team hotel, as part of the job description and mandated by Fifa.
- A Brazilian law firm, acting for the complainant, has served legal letters to Mendes in Cape Verde and also in Turkey, where his club is based.
- The same law firm has also sent an official notice to Fifa regarding the alleged incident, the police investigation and the ongoing participation of Mendes in the Fifa World Cup.
- The alleged incident has been discussed at the highest levels of the Cape Verde federation.
It is understood the alleged incident was first reported to a Cape Verde official on March 28, while the team were still in New Zealand for the tournament.
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