Cape Verde footballer investigated after alleged s£x attack at team hotel in New Zealand

A Cape Verde footballer is being investigated by police over an alleged s£x attack in Auckland.

The alleged incident took place during the FIFA Series in March, a tournament that includes New Zealand, Finland, Chile, and Cape Verde.

The attack allegedly took place at the Cape Verde team hotel shortly after their match against Chile at Eden Park on Friday, March 27.

The complaint involves a player who is part of the Cape Verde national team, according to the New Zealand Herald.

It is understood that FIFA is making their own enquiries into the incident having only been alerted to the alleged attack in the months following.

Police are currently seeking CCTV footage from the hotel in order to support their investigation into the matter.

‘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,’ New Zealand police responded to the Herald.

Beyond their intention to make initial enquiries around the alleged incident, FIFA have said they have no official comment to make at this time.

New Zealand football have also confirmed that they are unable to comment on the alleged incident that took place in March.

Cape Verde’s squad arrived in New Zealand on March 22.  They lost their opening tie 4-2 to Chile on March 27 – the night of the alleged attack – before beating Finland on penalties.

The FIFA Series is an initiative from football’s governing body to have teams from different confederations play meaningful matches.