New Zealand Police said they are investigating an allegation made against a Cape Verde player in relation to an incident during the FIFA Series in March.
«The New Zealand Police can confirm that an investigation is underway into an allegation reported to us in central Auckland on April 10, 2026,» police said in a statement, without providing further details.
The New Zealand herald The newspaper reported that a player was being investigated over an alleged sexual assault at the team’s hotel after Cape Verde’s March 27 match against Chile in Auckland.
The Cape Verde Football Federation could not be reached for comment on Monday.
Global football governing body FIFA made no immediate comment.
New Zealand Football said police had not been contacted about the matter but would assist with any investigations if necessary.
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, will make its World Cup debut at the June 11 to July 19 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The team will play against former champions Spain and Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
Published on May 11, 2026
