Former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy has secured a significant victory in his legal battle against the club, recovering a substantial portion of his unpaid wages withheld during his trial on rape charges.
Mendy, who was acquitted, successfully argued for “unauthorised deductions” from his wages in an employment tribunal.
Mendy’s £500,000-a-month salary was halted by Manchester City in 2021 following his second arrest. Initially, Mendy was on full pay after his first arrest in November 2020. However, after his re-arrest, the club informed him that he would no longer receive payment, citing his inability to fulfill contract obligations.
The tribunal ruled in Mendy’s favour, validating most of his £11 million claim for the 22-month period. Although the exact amount remains under negotiation, Mendy’s initial claim covered unpaid wages before tax. If an agreement cannot be reached, a future hearing will determine the final figure.
Mendy revealed that teammates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez provided financial assistance during his wage withholding. He was forced to sell his Cheshire mansion to cover legal fees, bills, and child support.
Following his acquittal, Mendy expressed relief, exclaiming “Alhamdulillah,” meaning “Praise be to God” in Arabic. Jenny Wiltshire, Head of Serious & General Crime at Hickman & Rose, highlighted the case’s lasting impact on Mendy, stating that he is delighted with the jury’s verdicts and has tried to remain strong despite the investigation’s serious impact.
Mendy has since returned to France to rebuild his career, now playing for Lorient in France’s Ligue 2.
