New Zealand police have charged a woman following a sexual assault investigation into Cape Verde’s World Cup captain Ryan Mendes.
Allegations against Mendes resurfaced during the World Cup earlier this year as he guided the tiny African country to the Round of 32.
He had not been charged at the time, and will not face any after the investigation wrapped up this week.
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“Detective Inspector Scott Beard says the allegation has not been substantiated,” NZ Police said in a statement.
Instead, a 40-year-old woman has been charged with making a false statement.
She is due to face an Auckland court on November 10.
“A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team,” Detective Inspector Beard said.
Mendes had been accused of raping a woman in March, with the allegation first reported to police the following month.
The woman had been hired to work with Cape Verde during a friendly series in New Zealand with Finland and Chile also taking part.
Mendes remained free to play during the investigation.
“FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident,” FIFA said at the time.
“As a general rule, please understand that the independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, or whether or not investigations are underway into alleged cases.
“Any information they may like to share will be communicated at their discretion.
“FIFA is in contact with the New Zealand authorities. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage.”
Mendes started and captained Cape Verde in their four matches at the World Cup.
He played the first 80 minutes of the nation’s 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina in the Round of 32.
Cape Verde equalised twice before an own goal in the 111th minute secured victory for Lionel Messi’s eventual finalists.
— with AAP
