In a significant legal victory, former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy has won his case against the club over unpaid wages. The tribunal’s decision means that City must pay Mendy most of the £11 million he missed out on while facing serious accusations.
Benjamin Mendy Wins Legal Fight with Man City Over Unpaid Wages
Mendy, a World Cup winner, took Manchester City to an employment tribunal, arguing that the club unfairly withheld his wages between 2021 and 2023. During this period, Mendy was accused of multiple rapes and sexual assaults, charges from which he was ultimately cleared after two criminal trials.
Manchester City contended that Mendy’s own actions, including womanizing, partying during Covid lockdowns, and breaching bail conditions, led to his loss of wages.
However, Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop ruled that while Mendy was responsible for his time in custody due to breached bail conditions, he was not to blame for the FA suspension that kept him from playing for 17 months.
“The Club was entitled to withhold Mr. Mendy’s salary for the periods during which he was remanded in custody,” the judge stated. However, she added that the FA suspension was precautionary and not punitive, meaning Mendy could not be held responsible for the loss of wages during that time.
The tribunal highlighted that Mendy’s contract did not include provisions allowing the club to withhold wages due to FA suspensions or bail conditions. This lack of contractual clarity played a crucial role in the decision.
Mendy’s legal battle revealed the financial and personal support he received from former teammates like Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez during his ordeal. It also brought to light the challenges he faced, including selling his Cheshire mansion and settling a six-figure tax debt to avoid bankruptcy.
Despite the legal victory, Manchester City retains the option to appeal the tribunal’s decision. The exact amount owed to Mendy will be determined through further discussions or potentially another court ruling.
Mendy, now playing for French Ligue 2 club Lorient, expressed relief at the tribunal’s decision. His case underscores the complexities athletes face when legal issues intersect with their professional careers. As Mendy moves forward, this ruling marks a significant step in his journey to rebuild his life and career after a tumultuous period.
The tribunal’s decision not only impacts Mendy but also sets a precedent for how clubs handle similar situations in the future. It emphasizes the importance of clear contractual terms and fair treatment of players, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in.
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