A member of the Cape Verde national team is being investigated by New Zealand authorities following an alleged sexual assault incident during the FIFA Series in March, according to reports from local media.
New Zealand journalist Michael Burgess of the New Zealand Herald reports that the incident is alleged to have taken place after Cape Verde’s 4-2 defeat to Chile on March 27 at Eden Park in Auckland.
It is further claimed that the incident occurred hours later at the team’s hotel. The identity of the player involved has not been disclosed.
The New Zealand Police confirmed that an investigation is underway.
“An allegation is under investigation, reported to us on April 10, 2026, in central Auckland. We are unable to comment further at this time,” police said, according to the New Zealand Herald.
Reports indicate the player is expected to remain part of Cape Verde’s squad ahead of their historic FIFA World Cup debut. A source close to the complainant told the New Zealand Herald that the individual has been “struggling to cope” following the incident.
World football’s governing body, FIFA, has not confirmed whether it will open its own investigation, describing it as “way too early” to comment. FIFA also confirmed it has contacted the New Zealand Football Association, which hosted the FIFA Series.
Football authorities in New Zealand, Cape Verde, and FIFA have so far declined to provide further comment.
Cape Verde recently made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup after topping their qualifying group ahead of Cameroon, Libya, Angola, Mauritius, and eSwatini.
At the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, they have been drawn into Group F alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Adel Taarabt explains missed Manchester United and Arsenal moves Sep 11, 2026
