New Zealand police have dropped a rape allegation against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes and filed a charge against the person who made the accusation, alleging she provided a false statement to authorities.

Mendes, who captains the Cape Verde national side, had faced the allegation while in New Zealand. Following a police investigation, officers determined the claim lacked merit and moved to hold the accuser accountable for the report she submitted.

The decision to charge the accuser with making a false statement marks a significant development in the case, effectively clearing Mendes of any wrongdoing in the eyes of New Zealand law enforcement.