FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The investigations relate to a team trip to New Zealand in March – FIFA says it takes all allegations of inappropriate behaviour "extremely seriously"
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes has faced allegations of rape by a team interpreter during a trip to New Zealand in March, according to reports from Brazilian news agency Globo.
According to the complaint, the 36-year-old, who played in all of Cape Verde's World Cup matches, is suspected of sexually assaulting a Brazilian national who was employed as a translator during the team's tour of New Zealand.
The woman, whose identity has not been made public, says she initially approached at least three officials from the Cape Verdean football federation, but claims she received no response.
The case is being investigated by New Zealand Police, who have obtained footage from the Auckland hotel's security cameras and are awaiting the results of forensic examinations before deciding whether to lay criminal charges against Mendes.
The case was reported last month by New Zealand media, without the identity of the footballer being made public. It was only reported that he was part of the Cape Verde national team.
In her testimony, the woman says she was hired by the Cape Verdean football federation for matches played as part of the FIFA series in New Zealand. After the first match against Chile, she says she was invited to a meeting in one of the hotel rooms where the national team was staying.
According to her, after realizing that her presence was not necessary for translation and that it was a social gathering, she returned to her room. A little later, she heard a knock on the door.
She claims that as soon as she opened the door, Ryan Mendes forced his way into the room, physically attacked her by grabbing her by the throat, punching and biting her, before raping her. These allegations are part of her statement to New Zealand Police.
According to reports, she has submitted photographs to authorities showing injuries to her mouth, neck, legs and ribs.
So far, Ryan Mendes has not publicly responded to the allegations.
FIFA released a statement hours after the allegations were made public. The organization said it was in contact with New Zealand authorities and that it takes all allegations of inappropriate behavior "extremely seriously."
However, FIFA stressed that it could not comment on the specific case nor confirm whether investigations were underway.
Lini një Përgjigje