Ryan Mendes case: Woman who accused Cape Verde captain of rape charged with making a false statement

New Zealand police have ended the rape investigation involving Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes and charged the woman who accused him with making a false statement. The 40-year-old is due to appear in court next week under New Zealand’s Crimes Act. She had alleged that Mendes forced his way into her Auckland hotel room on March 27, after she was hired as an interpreter for the Cape Verde delegation during the FIFA Series, and provided police with photographs of her injuries. The investigation lasted more than six months; Mendes, 36, played in all three group-stage matches as Cape Verde reached the World Cup knockout stage.