Benjamin Mendy Wins Tribunal Case for Unpaid Wages Against Manchester City
Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is set to receive the majority of his unpaid salary from the Premier League club after an employment tribunal ruled in his favour.
Mendy, who had sought £11 million before tax in back wages, argued that City had wrongfully withheld his pay from September 2021 until his contract expired in June 2023.
The tribunal, presided over by Judge Joanne Dunlop, ruled that City was only entitled to withhold Mendy’s salary during the five months he was in custody, out of a 22-month suspension period.
This ruling comes after Mendy was cleared last year of multiple charges of rape and sexual assault, which had led to his suspension and inability to play.
In a social media statement, Mendy expressed relief at the decision, saying, “I am delighted with the decision and sincerely hope that the club will now do the honorable thing and pay the outstanding amounts, as well as the other amounts promised to me under the contract, without further delay.”
Legal Arguments and Court Findings
The tribunal case centered on whether Mendy was “ready and willing” to fulfill his contractual obligations during his suspension, despite a Football Association (FA) suspension and bail conditions. Judge Dunlop concluded that Mendy was indeed willing to play when not in custody, but was involuntarily prevented from doing so by the FA’s suspension.
Mendy’s lawyer argued that City had a choice: either terminate his contract, allowing him to join another club, or keep him on contract and continue paying him. City, however, argued that his time in custody and bail conditions constituted a full impediment to fulfilling his contract and cited his “culpable behavior” for contributing to the suspension.
The judgment acknowledged both sides of the case, noting that Mendy “largely brought his troubles upon himself” but was also left abandoned by his club. “The only question for me is whether Manchester City was legally entitled to withhold that pay,” Judge Dunlop stated.
Background and Next Steps
Mendy was first charged in August 2021, and following five months in custody, he was released on bail. In January 2023, he was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. In a retrial in July 2023, he was acquitted of further charges. Since leaving City in June, Mendy has signed with French side Lorient.
Manchester City has not publicly commented on the ruling, and Judge Dunlop stated that the exact sum Mendy will receive should be calculated either through mutual agreement or at a future hearing if the parties cannot reach a consensus.
The case underscores the complexity of balancing legal obligations with club policies in handling player suspensions, as well as the impact on Mendy’s career following his suspension and subsequent acquittals.