"Manchester City and Benjamin Mendy faced each other in court this week. The defender claims he is still entitled to 13.8 million euros from his former employer. Voetbal International explains the details of the situation.
In 2021, Benjamin Mendy found himself at the center of serious legal battles, accused of rape and attempted rape in two separate cases.
These accusations led to a dramatic turn in the footballer's career and personal life. During the legal proceedings, Manchester City, his employer at the time, decided to withhold his salary, which amounted to 13.8 million euros. As the cases unfolded, Mendy was suspended from the team, missing out on significant playing time and suffering damage to his reputation.
After a lengthy trial, Mendy was acquitted of both charges in 2023. The 30-year-old French defender, who had been an integral part of Manchester City’s squad since his transfer from AS Monaco in 2017, now believes that he is entitled to the withheld salary, as he was ultimately declared innocent. His argument is simple: he had a contract with the club, and despite the accusations, he was never convicted of any crime. He claims that, in light of his acquittal, the club owes him the sum that was withheld during his suspension.
Manchester City, however, disputes this claim and has refused to pay the 13.8 million euros. The club argues that Mendy violated both club policies and legal obligations, thus justifying their decision to withhold his salary. The case has now reached the courtroom, where both sides are presenting their arguments.
Representing Manchester City, lawyer Sean Jones outlined the club’s position, stating that Mendy had "deliberately ignored all the rules" during the period in question. Jones emphasized that Mendy had failed to comply with the conditions of his bail release, knowingly putting himself in situations that could lead to his arrest. This, according to the club, meant that Mendy could not fulfill his duties as a professional footballer, thus voiding his right to the salary in question.
One specific instance cited by Jones was Mendy’s behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lawyer pointed out that Mendy had organized parties in violation of both government-imposed restrictions and the club’s policies at the time. These actions, Jones argued, demonstrated a clear disregard for his legal obligations and his responsibilities to Manchester City. The club maintains that these breaches, along with his failure to adhere to the conditions of his bail, provided sufficient grounds to withhold his salary.
Mendy, on the other hand, has sought to defend his actions, with his lawyer, Nick de Marco, arguing that the footballer has already paid a heavy price for his mistakes. De Marco admitted that Mendy "partied too much and too often," but pointed out that these actions were not uncommon among other prominent members of Manchester City’s squad. He further argued that Mendy had been through a particularly harsh ordeal, having spent more than four months in custody as a result of accusations that were later proven unfounded. "He has lost time that he will never get back," de Marco stated, underscoring the toll that the legal battles had taken on Mendy’s career and personal life.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many observers questioning whether Manchester City’s actions were justified or whether Mendy is entitled to the salary he believes he is owed. The complex legal battle touches on broader questions about the rights of players, club obligations, and the handling of legal accusations in the world of professional football.
Since being acquitted, Mendy has attempted to rebuild his career, signing with French club Lorient after his release from Manchester City. He made his debut for Lorient in November 2023, marking a fresh start for the player after a turbulent period. Despite his return to the pitch, Mendy's legal battle with his former club remains unresolved, and the final outcome could have significant implications for both parties.
Judge Joanne Dunlop, who is overseeing the case, is expected to issue a verdict within the next four weeks. Until then, the dispute between Mendy and Manchester City continues, with both sides awaiting a decision that could potentially set a precedent for how clubs handle similar situations in the future. As Mendy focuses on reviving his career at Lorient, the legal saga serves as a reminder of the challenges he has faced off the pitch, and the continuing impact those challenges have on his professional and financial future.
