Former Manchester City defender, Benjamin Mendy has emerged victorious in an employment tribunal against his former club, claiming unpaid wages amounting to around £11 million.
The tribunal ruled that Man City had “unlawfully made deductions” from Mendy’s wages during a period when he was facing rape charges, for which he was ultimately acquitted.
Mendy released an official statement of relief after the decision.
“Having had to wait for three years for my wages, I am delighted with the decision and sincerely hope that the club will now do the honourable thing and pay the outstanding amounts, as well as the other amounts promised to me under the contract, without further delay, so I can finally put this difficult part of my life behind me.”
The Player’s case centered on Man City’s decision to stop his pay after his second arrest in 2021.
While City initially continued his wages after his first arrest in 2020, they ceased payments following the second arrest, arguing that Mendy was “not presently ready and able to perform the obligations of his contract.”
According to Mendy, however, the club’s then-Chief Operating Officer, Omar Berrada, had assured him he would be compensated upon acquittal.
Despite attempts to reach out for clarification, Mendy reportedly received no response from Berrada or CEO Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
During the hearing, Mendy shared how the financial strain affected him, forcing him to sell his house to cover legal fees, bills, and child support.
He noted that he received assistance from his teammates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez during this difficult period.
Following his acquittal, Mendy returned to France to play for Lorient in Ligue 2.
His victory in the tribunal allows him to claim most of his unpaid wages, although the exact amount will either be negotiated between both parties.