Former Manchester City defender, Benjamin Mendy has secured a partial victory in his case against the Premier League club, winning the majority of his $14.2 million claim for unpaid wages.
Cyber Reporters gathered that Mendy had filed the claim last year, seeking wages withheld by Manchester City since September 2021, when he was charged with sexual offenses, until his contract ended in June 2023.
Mendy’s acquittal in January 2023, after being cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, strengthened his argument.
He maintained that Manchester City unlawfully deducted his wages, contrary to their contract, and testified that he was promised payment after his clearance.
The footballer’s time in custody, totaling about five months, was considered in the ruling.
Judge Joanne Dunlop determined that Manchester City was entitled to withhold pay during this period but not when Mendy was available to work.
Dunlop’s ruling stated, “Mr. Mendy is entitled to recover some, but not all, of the sums claimed.”
This outcome reflects the complex nature of the case, balancing Mendy’s contractual rights with the circumstances surrounding his suspension and acquittal.
Mendy joined Manchester City in 2017 for £52 million and earned an annual salary of £6 million.
After his retrial, he signed with French club Lorient, currently in Ligue 2.
The case highlights the intricacies of employment law in professional sports, particularly when players face serious allegations.
Mendy’s partial victory serves as a reminder that contractual obligations can be upheld even in challenging circumstances.
