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New Zealand police investigate allegation against Cape Verde player
FIFA declines comment as probe continues into incident in Auckland
New Zealand police said they are investigating an allegation made against a Cape Verde player in connection with an incident during the FIFA Series in March.
"New Zealand Police can confirm an allegation is under investigation, reported to us on 10 April 2026 in central Auckland," police said in a statement, without providing further details.
The New Zealand Herald reported that a player was being investigated over an alleged sexual assault at the team’s hotel following Cape Verde’s March 27 match against Chile in Auckland.
Cape Verde’s soccer federation was not reachable for comment on Monday.
A spokesperson for FIFA said the sport’s global governing body was not in a position to comment as it was an ongoing investigation.
New Zealand Football, the host federation for the FIFA Series matches, said it had not been contacted by police about the matter but would assist with any inquiries if required.
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 face former champions Spain and Uruguay, along with Saudi Arabia in the group stage.