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Why is Benjamin Mendy filing a £10m lawsuit against Manchester City?

By Abhijit Majumder

French footballer Benjamin Mendy arrives at Chester Crown Court in Chester, northwest England, on July 14, 2023. Mendy is facing a retrial for two alleged sexual offences, six months after a jury cleared him of multiple other counts. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
French footballer Benjamin Mendy arrives at Chester Crown Court in Chester, northwest England, on July 14, 2023. Mendy is facing a retrial for two alleged sexual offences, six months after a jury cleared him of multiple other counts. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Mendy ready to sue Manchester City

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is taking legal action against the club, seeking £10m in unpaid wages. Mendy was cleared of all charges in a retrial last summer, but his wages were halted in September 2021 during his trial for the sex offences.

The Frenchman signed for Ligue 1 side Lorient after leaving City in June 2023, alleging that the club failed to pay his £100,000-per-week salary from the time charges were made until the expiration of his contract. His agent had engaged in discussions with City regarding back pay after Mendy’s acquittal, but no resolution was reached.

According to The Guardian, a statement from Mendy’s representative, Nick De Marco KC, revealed,

"“Manchester City FC failed to pay Mr. Mendy any wages at all from September 2021 until the end of his contract in June 2023. The claim will come before an Employment Tribunal.”"

The lawsuit adds another layer to Mendy’s financial struggles, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seeks a bankruptcy order against him for a £788,000 tax debt. The proceedings were postponed during Mendy’s trial, where he incurred legal fees estimated at over £1m.

Manchester City declined to comment on the issue, but they are surprised by Mendy’s move to court.

City’s Decision and Mendy’s Legal Battle

The Premier League giants suspended Mendy after the player faced charges relating to sex offences.  Despite being found not guilty at a retrial in July, City took the stance that Mendy was unavailable for work during his bail and trial, justifying the withholding of his salary.

Mendy signed for Manchester City for a then club-record fee of £52m in July 2017 on a six-year contract and became a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s side. He won three Premier League titles and two League Cups during his stay at the club. His last appearance for the Citizens was in August 2021, two weeks before the charges were made public.

The employment tribunal is expected to address the claim in 2024. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old’s attempts to resolve financial issues include selling his Cheshire mansion, currently listed at £4.25m after a £750,000 reduction from the initial asking price of £5m.

As the legal saga unfolds, Benjamin Mendy’s pursuit of justice and financial restitution continues to make headlines.

In other news, La Liga star claims Manchester City wants him.

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