Mendy Wins Legal Battle with Man City Over £11 Million Unpaid Wages

Benjamin Mendy just scored a big legal win over Manchester City. He’s getting back most of the £11 million in unpaid wages that were held during his suspension.

November 6, 2024
1:24 pm

In a big win, former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has triumphed in a tribunal case against his old club, snagging most of the £11 million in unpaid wages that were held back while he was suspended. Mendy, who was cleared of all charges on sexual assault after two trials, argued that City unfairly stopped his pay from 2021 to 2023.

The tribunal looked at whether Manchester City was right to withhold Mendy’s wages during the time he faced serious legal issues, including charges of rape and sexual assault, for which he was later found not guilty. While he was in custody for about five months due to breached bail conditions, Mendy couldn’t fulfill his contract with the club. City claimed that Mendy’s actions, like alleged partying and breaking COVID-19 rules, justified the wage freeze.

Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop ruled on Wednesday that while Manchester City could hold back wages for the time Mendy was in custody, they had to pay him for the remaining 17 months. The judge noted that the unpaid wages during that time were mainly due to an FA suspension that was more of a precaution than a punishment.

“The Club was entitled to withhold Mr. Mendy’s salary for the periods during which he was remanded in custody,” the judge said, adding that Mendy’s breach of bail conditions was a separate issue from the original charges. However, since the FA’s suspension was out of Mendy’s control and not due to his own misconduct, the club couldn’t withhold his pay for that time.

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City argued that Mendy’s behavior, including hosting parties that broke lockdown rules, showed “highly risky behavior” and a lack of respect for both COVID guidelines and his professional duties. The tribunal heard that Mendy’s teammates, like Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez, helped him financially during the legal battle, while Mendy had to sell his Cheshire home to avoid bankruptcy and settle tax debts.

Mendy is now playing for Lorient in France’s Ligue 2 and will likely chat with Manchester City about the specific amount owed. However, City might still appeal the decision.