Former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy has successfully won a legal battle against the Premier League champions to claim unpaid wages totaling £11 million. This significant ruling comes after Mendy sought compensation for the period when City withheld his salary following criminal charges he faced.
Mendy’s Legal Victory Over Unpaid Wages
The dispute centered on wages that Mendy claimed he was owed from September 2021 until the end of his contract in June 2023. During this time, Manchester City halted his salary payments shortly after the defender, then 30 years old, was charged with sexual offenses. Mendy argued that these deductions were unlawful, maintaining that the club had previously assured him he would be compensated if he was found not guilty.
Judge’s Ruling on Mendy’s Case
In a written ruling issued on Wednesday, Judge Joanne Dunlop concluded that Mendy was entitled to a portion of the unpaid wages, though not the full amount he initially sought. “Mr. Mendy is entitled to recover some, but not all, of the sums claimed,” Judge Dunlop clarified, acknowledging Mendy’s right to receive back pay while balancing it with the conditions surrounding his employment status.
Background: Criminal Charges and Suspension of Salary
In January 2023, a court acquitted Mendy of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Following his acquittal, Mendy proceeded with a formal claim against Manchester City, seeking the wages he believed were due. His legal team argued that the club’s decision to suspend payments violated his contractual rights, as he was ultimately cleared of all charges.
City’s legal representatives defended the club’s stance, arguing that Mendy was not entitled to wages because he could not fulfill his professional duties while detained. His custody was a result of violating bail conditions, which restricted his availability to perform as a player. Consequently, City maintained that withholding his salary during this time was lawful under the terms of his contract.
Mendy’s Perspective on Wage Withholding
In his witness statement, Mendy argued that Manchester City’s actions breached the agreement they had established, emphasizing that he had expected to be compensated after his acquittal. He claimed the club’s assurance led him to believe that any wage deductions would be temporary, contingent upon the outcome of his trial.
Impact of the Verdict and the Future for Mendy
The ruling in favor of Mendy serves as a notable case in employment rights for professional athletes, emphasizing the obligations of clubs to honor contracts even under complex legal circumstances.
