Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been granted the right to receive “the majority of his unpaid salary” following a recent ruling by a judge. This decision stems from Mendy’s claim for approximately £11 million in unpaid wages after he was suspended without pay from September 2021 until his departure from the club in June 2023.
Mendy, who debuted for the French national team in 2017, faced serious charges of rape and sexual assault beginning in August 2021. However, he was acquitted of multiple charges last year, paving the way for his legal pursuit against Manchester City.
Judge Joanne Dunlop concluded that while Manchester City could withhold Mendy’s salary during periods when he was in custody—totaling about five months—he was otherwise entitled to payment during the remaining time.
The judge noted that Mendy was “ready and willing” to fulfill his contractual responsibilities during non-custody periods but was prevented by external factors such as a suspension from the Football Association and bail conditions.
Mendy expressed satisfaction with the ruling and urged Manchester City to honor their contractual obligations without further delay. He emphasized his desire to move past this challenging chapter of his life.
Mendy’s legal team argued that Manchester City had two options: either follow the dismissal procedure—which would have allowed him to seek employment elsewhere—or maintain his contract while continuing to pay him. Throughout this tumultuous period, it was revealed that Mendy hosted or attended parties that violated Covid-19 guidelines or bail conditions on multiple occasions.
City’s legal representatives contended that Mendy’s actions led to significant impediments preventing him from fulfilling his contract and claimed that these impediments were a direct result of his behavior.
The ruling highlighted conflicting narratives surrounding Mendy’s situation: one portraying him as an innocent man whose career suffered from false allegations, while the other depicted him as someone who ignored warnings about his lifestyle choices.
As Benjamin Mendy embarks on a new chapter with French club Lorient following his exit from Manchester City, this tribunal ruling marks a significant moment in addressing issues of fairness and responsibility within sports contracts. The broader implications of this case may influence future employment practices within professional sports, especially regarding athlete conduct and contractual obligations. As discussions continue, both sides remain at a crossroads, with public commentary likely shaping perceptions of accountability in high-stakes environments like professional football.
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