Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy faced financial struggles after his club stopped paying him when he was charged with rape and sexual assault. According to an employment tribunal, the 30-year-old’s monthly wage of £500,000 was withheld by the club in 2021. Team-mates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez reportedly lent him money during this difficult time. Mendy, who now plays for French Ligue 2 club Lorient, claims he is owed £11.5 million in unpaid wages by Manchester City.
The French international, who was later cleared of the charges, initiated employment tribunal proceedings against Manchester City citing “unauthorised deductions” from his wages. Documents revealed that Mendy struggled financially and had to sell his mansion in Cheshire to cover legal fees, bills, and child support payments when his wages were suspended. He expressed feeling the strain of not being able to meet his financial obligations and thanked his agent and team-mates for their financial assistance.
Mendy emphasised the impact of the legal proceedings on his life, stating that his world was turned upside down forever on the day he was charged. The tribunal also heard about Mendy’s partying habits and his time spent in custody due to breaching bail conditions. Despite hosting a late-night party before a match, Mendy expected to receive his unpaid wages after being cleared of the charges, as assured by Manchester City’s then chief football operating officer. However, communication from the club regarding the payment was lacking even after Mendy’s acquittal.
The footballer highlighted his disappointment with Manchester City’s response to the situation, mentioning the lack of acknowledgment or apology for the turmoil he faced. Mendy firmly believes he deserves to be compensated for the wages he would have earned had he not been falsely accused. After being found not guilty in a retrial of charges brought against him, Mendy had a High Court tax debt case dismissed after settling a £700,000 bill. The employment tribunal is set to continue for two days as Mendy seeks rightful compensation from his former club.