Cape Verde names player in World Cup squad despite alleged sexual assault investigation
Cape Verde has included a player in their 2026 FIFA World Cup squad despite an ongoing alleged sexual assault inquiry by New Zealand police, as confirmed by the authorities
One of Cape Verde's players is under investigation in New Zealand for an alleged sexual assault -Credit:2026 FIFA A Cape Verde player currently subject to a New Zealand police investigation regarding an alleged sexual assault has been included in the country's squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde unveiled its squad on Tuesday, becoming the fourteenth of the 48 nations participating at this summer's tournament to announce their selections. The Blue Sharks will be making their World Cup debut, having clinched qualification last October by winning their African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon following a 3-0 victory over Eswatini.
The player's selection comes despite New Zealand police confirming in a statement that an investigation remains active, as per The Mirror US . DR Congo expected to receive U. S.
Travel Exemption for 2026 World Cup despite Ebola Outbreak Clint Dempsey warns of World Cup ‘nightmare’ scenario for USMNT as legend makes prediction Cape Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup in October -Credit:Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images "New Zealand Police can confirm an allegation is under investigation, reported to us on April 10, 2026, in central Auckland. We are unable to comment further at this time," the statement read. The New Zealand Herald reported that the alleged incident occurred at the Cape Verde team hotel in Auckland on the evening of March 27, shortly after the team's 4-2 loss to Chile at Eden Park in the FIFA Series, a collection of four-team international friendly tournaments organized by FIFA across eight different countries.
Reports indicated authorities examined CCTV footage from the hotel and that the complainant had been "struggling to cope" since the night of the alleged attack. New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell confirmed his organization had been in contact with FIFA about the matter. "We've raised it with FIFA based on the media reports," he said.