According to the NZ Herald, the incident involves a member of the Cape Verde football team, which was in Auckland for a four-team FIFA series in March that also featured teams from New Zealand, Finland, and Chile.
A police spokesperson informed RNZ, “Police can confirm an allegation is under investigation, reported to us on 10 April 2026 in central Auckland.” The spokesperson added, “We are unable to comment further at this time.”
RNZ has reached out to NZ Football for their response on the matter.
The tournament, held from March 27 to 30, was part of the All Whites’ preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America.
During the series, the host team lost 2-0 to Finland but secured a 4-1 victory against Chile.
Cape Verde, currently ranked 69th globally, has qualified for the World Cup as one of nine African nations, having topped a group that included Cameroon, Libya, Angola, Mauritius, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).
The team will be based in Tampa, Florida, where they will compete in a group that includes Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
While in New Zealand, Cape Verde suffered a 4-2 defeat to Chile and managed a 1-1 draw with Finland, with both matches taking place at Auckland’s Eden Park.
