Charlotte FC forward Andre Shinyashiki has said he fully cooperated with police and MLS in their investigations into an alleged sexual assault, and that he’s been cleared to play.
The Charlotte Ledger reported on Tuesday that it found a police report by searching with Shinyashiki’s name and date of birth, though the player’s name was not on the report itself due to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police policy.
The report, dated March 8, stated that a 23-year-old woman said she was sexually assaulted in the early hours of February 26.
The Athletic reported that a second Charlotte FC player, Nuno Santos, was also linked to the same police report by searching his name and date of birth.
Neither player has been charged with a crime. The case is listed as open but inactive, meaning police are no longer actively investigating the incident.
Following the report from The Charlotte Ledger, Shinyashiki released a statement on Twitter saying no charges have been filed and added that he would have no further comment.
I’d like to address the story that came out today. I fully cooperated with Charlotte Police and MLS in their separate investigations related to the incident and no charges have been filed against me. I’ve also been cleared by MLS to play. I’ll have no further comment.
— Andre Shinyashiki (@AShinyashiki9) May 2, 2023
Shinyashiki, 25, has been left off Charlotte FC’s matchday roster for four straight games since his most recent appearance on April 8.
The Brazilian-born striker was acquired in a midseason trade from the Colorado Rapids last season, and scored six goals in 21 appearances for Charlotte FC in 2022.
Nuno Santos, 24, was signed from Benfica in his native Portugal last year. The midfielder has made nine appearances for Charlotte FC and is currently on loan with Crown Legacy FC of MLS Next Pro.
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