Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has won a partial victory in his legal battle against the club, securing a significant portion of over £11 million in unpaid wages following his acquittal on sexual offense charges.
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The French international filed a claim with an employment tribunal last year, arguing that City had unlawfully withheld his salary from September 2021, when they stopped payments, until his contract ended in June 2023.
Mendy asserted that he was entitled to these wages under the terms of his contract, contending he had been promised payment if cleared of charges. Manchester City’s defense argued that he was ineligible for payment, citing that he was “not ready and able to perform his duties” due to his detention after violating bail conditions.
Judge Joanne Dunlop ruled in favor of Mendy’s claim to a large extent. In her judgment, Dunlop stated that Mendy spent two separate periods in custody, totaling about five months within the 22-month timeframe he claimed. During this time, the club was within its rights to withhold his salary.
However, when Mendy was not in custody, he was deemed “ready and willing to work,” despite restrictions such as his suspension by the Football Association and bail conditions that were beyond his control.
Judge Dunlop emphasized that, in the absence of specific contractual terms allowing City to withhold pay, Mendy was entitled to receive compensation for the time he was available for work. Mendy’s lawyers and Manchester City are now set to determine the final amount owed.
This decision follows Mendy’s recent efforts to revive his football career at French club Lorient, after making 50 appearances for Manchester City between 2017 and 2023.