Ryan Mendes Will Not Face Charges in New Zealand, Police Charge Woman With Making a False Statement

New Zealand Police have concluded their investigation into a sexual assault allegation against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, and he will not be facing charges. The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in a statement released by his lawyer, Karl Trotter, and reported by USA TODAY.

In connection with the same matter, police have charged a woman under section 111 of New Zealand's Crimes Act 1961 with making a false statement, according to Trotter's statement. The woman has not been convicted of anything. The charge has not been determined by a court, and she remains presumed innocent.

Trotter said: "The New Zealand Police have advised counsel in writing that they have concluded their investigation of the matter and Mr Mendes will not be facing charges. Today, and in connection with this matter, the police have charged a female pursuant to s. 111 Crimes Act 1961, with making a false statement."

What RNZ and police reported

RNZ reported that a woman has been charged with making a false statement after allegations of sexual offending at an Auckland hotel earlier this year. A media report at the time said Cape Verde football captain Ryan Mendes was at the centre of a rape investigation.

The allegation was reported to Auckland City Police on April 10, 2026. It related to an alleged incident at a central Auckland hotel during Cape Verde's visit to New Zealand earlier this year. The complainant had worked as a translator with the Cape Verde group, according to RNZ and a New Zealand Police statement reported by other outlets.

The woman charged is 40 years old. She has been summoned to appear before Auckland District Court on November 10, 2026. No source named her, and this article does not name her.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard of New Zealand Police said, in a statement reported by USA TODAY: "A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team."

How the allegation first became public

The allegation was first reported during the World Cup, in June 2026, by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte. FIFA said at the time that it was in contact with the New Zealand authorities, USA TODAY reported.

Mendes, 36, is Cape Verde's captain. He captained the side in its World Cup Round of 32 match against Argentina, which Cape Verde lost 3-2 after extra time, after an unbeaten group run against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Trotter also said: "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."

The police decision closes the investigation into Mendes. The separate charge against the woman is now a court matter, with a first appearance set for November 10 in Auckland. Until a court decides that charge, she is presumed innocent, and the allegation against her is an allegation, not a finding.