A judge has ruled that former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is entitled to most of his unpaid wages, amounting to approximately £11 million before tax. The decision came after Mendy took City to an employment tribunal following his suspension without pay from September 2021 until his departure from the club in June 2023.
Mendy, who was cleared of multiple rape and sexual assault charges in 2022 and 2023, had been suspended while facing legal proceedings. His suspension from the club and the Football Association meant he could not fulfill his contractual obligations. However, Judge Joanne Dunlop ruled that Manchester City was entitled to withhold Mendy’s salary during the five months he was in custody, but Mendy was “ready and willing” to work during the other non-custody periods, with the impediments to his employment being beyond his control.
In her judgment, Judge Dunlop noted that the amount Mendy is owed will either be calculated between the parties or decided at a future hearing if they cannot reach an agreement.
Mendy expressed his satisfaction with the decision, urging Manchester City to now honor the payment of the outstanding wages and contractual amount.
Mendy, who had a £6 million annual salary at City, left the club after his contract expired, and now plays for French side Lorient. The case highlighted differing narratives: Mendy’s legal team argued that his career was ruined by false allegations, while Manchester City’s legal representatives contended that Mendy’s troubles were largely self-inflicted.
The case also included a claim from Mendy’s lawyers that the club had promised to pay him his salary if found not guilty, which Manchester City’s chief football operations officer denied, with the judge deeming such assurances irrelevant.
