Three starters competing in the knockout rounds of the World Cup are facing current rape allegations, and more have been targets of investigations into sexual abuse in the past.
Thomas Partey of Ghana and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco have active criminal cases against them in England and France, respectively. Both deny the allegations.Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is currently under investigation by authorities in New Zealand for allegedly raping his team’s FIFA liaison at a tournament in March. His name has only been newly tied to the investigation this week, and he has not yet publicly commented on the accusations. Cape Verde’s federation did not respond to a request for comment.
These players have continued to participate—and take center stage—in the World Cup.
Hakimi is widely considered one of the best defenders in the world and won the Champions League with Paris St.-Germain this year. Monday night, as the captain walked to take a penalty shootout kick for Morocco, Fox’s Stu Holden called him the team’s “star man” before John Strong listed his accolades. Hakimi missed, but Morocco still advanced to the Round of 16.
Partey and Mendes are set to play Friday. Partey’s case has received the most attention because he was denied entry into Canada, where Ghana played its first group stage match.
