Cape Verde captain being investigated for rape in New Zealand | Report

The captain of Cape Verde, which made history by qualifying for the knockout rounds in its first-ever World Cup, is under investigation for rape in New Zealand, according to Brazil's Globo.

Ryan Mendes, who played all three games for the Blue Sharks, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked for the team as a translator during the FIFA Series played in New Zealand in March. A decision on whether Mendes will be charged will not be made until the investigation, including forensic analysis, is complete, according to the report, which cites the New Zealand police, legal representation for the translator and multiple conversations with her and the Cape Verde soccer federation.

In a statement to USA TODAY, FIFA said it takes "any allegation of misconduct" seriously and was in contact with New Zealand authorities.

"Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage," the statement said. The Cape Verde team did not respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY.

The translator, a Brazilian woman, told authorities that Mendes came into her hotel room in Auckland and physically and sexually assaulted her, according to Globo. She reported the attack to authorities and underwent a sexual assault examination.

The exam found lesions on her vagina, as well as multiple bruises on her breasts, neck and lips, according to Globo. The woman also provided police, and later Globo, with photos of her injuries.

The woman reported the attack to three different Cape Verde soccer officials, according to Globo. None responded.

Cape Verde has been one of the feel-good stories of the tournament. The tiny island nation with a 40-year-old goalkeeper held Spain and Uruguay to draws to reach the round of 32. The Blue Sharks are the first World Cup debutants to make the knockout rounds since Slovakia in 2010, and first since Senegal in 2002 to go unbeaten in the group stage.

Mendes, a forward who plays for the Turkish club Igdir, has played all but 19 minutes of Cape Verde's first three games. The Blue Sharks face Argentina on Friday, July 3, in Miami.