Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes cleared of rape allegation as woman charged with false statement

New Zealand police dismiss claim of sexual assault at Auckland hotel

Incident alleged to have occurred after football friendly in March

New Zealand police have dismissed a rape allegation against Cape Verde football captain Ryan Mendes and have charged the accuser with making a false statement.

Detective inspector Scott Beard said Friday the claim that a sexual assault occurred at a central Auckland hotel in March had not been substantiated.

A 40-year-old woman has been charged under New Zealand’s Crimes Act with making a false statement. She is expected to appear in court next week.

“A decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team,” Beard said.