Cape Verde face a major problem before a difficult last-32 World Cup match against holders Argentina: the team’s captain has been accused of rape, according to Brazilian outlet Globo. The matter is under investigation and could lead to severe punishment if proven, the outlet said.
Globo reported that a young woman attached to the Cape Verde squad had accused the captain, named by the outlet as Ryan, of rape and assault during the FIFA Series in New Zealand in March this year. She was working as an interpreter with the team.
The woman alleges that the captain forced his way into her hotel room and raped and assaulted her. She said she had informed three Cape Verde team officials afterwards, but none had taken action, after which she went to the police.
Globo reported that the woman had undergone a medical examination, which found injuries to her genitals, throat and face. The investigation is ongoing; the specific charges against the player were not known.
USA Today reported that strict action would be taken if any such incident were confirmed, and that FIFA was in contact with New Zealand authorities. World football’s governing body declined to comment further for now.
Cape Verde have been the biggest surprise of this World Cup, holding strong sides such as Spain and Uruguay in the group stage. Drawing all three of their matches, they reached the round of 32, where they face holders Argentina.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report