Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy will receive most of his withheld salary after a tribunal ruled in his favor. The decision marks a significant step in the legal proceedings that began after Mendy’s suspension in September 2021, when he was charged with rape and sexual assault. Although he was cleared of all charges in 2023, Mendy had been seeking approximately £11 million in unpaid wages.
Judge Joanne Dunlop ruled that Manchester City could withhold Mendy’s salary only for the five months he was in custody. However, for the remaining time, when he was under Football Association (FA) suspension but not detained, City did not have grounds to withhold his salary since his contract lacked specific provisions addressing such situations.
“The fact that Mr. Mendy’s contract contained no provision permitting the club to withhold wages where an FA suspension and/or bail conditions prevented the player from performing his obligations was an important part of the reason for this decision,” read a summary judgement.
Judge Dunlop emphasized that Mendy was “ready and willing” to work during the periods he was not in custody but was prevented from doing so by circumstances outside his control. His wages will now be calculated between the two parties, with a future hearing scheduled if they cannot agree on the amount.
Mendy joined Manchester City from Monaco in a £52 million transfer in 2017 and won three Premier League titles with the club. After his final appearance for City in August 2021, he joined Lorient in Ligue 1 when his contract expired.
This decision comes as a notable example of contract law within football, particularly regarding player rights under suspension.
