Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has filed an £11 million unpaid wages claim against his former club, revealing that “several” City players attended his sex parties.
Mendy’s claim comes after he was acquitted of four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault last year.
The 30-year-old French international was suspended by Manchester City in 2021 pending trial, and his contract expired in 2023 without renewal.
During his suspension, Manchester City withheld Mendy’s salary, citing the serious nature of the allegations.
However, following his acquittal, Mendy argues he is entitled to the unpaid wages.
Mendy’s tribunal case against Manchester City has sparked controversy, with the former player alleging that his sex parties were attended by multiple Manchester City teammates.
This revelation raises questions about the club’s knowledge and handling of Mendy’s off-field activities.
He said:
‘Several Manchester City first-team players, including the club captain, were all present at the parties that I attended and hosted.’
There is no suggestion that any behaviour was non-consensual.
‘We all drank alcohol. We all had casual relations with women. We all breached Covid-19 restrictions.
Read Also: Foden, Haaland Shine As Manchester City Rout Slovan Bratislava
‘This does not excuse my behaviour, but I feel that it is unfair for Manchester City to single me out in the way that they have.
‘The difference between me and the other Manchester City players is that I was the one that was falsely accused of rape and publicly humiliated.’
‘I can’t help but feel that the club are trying to paint a narrative that I was acting recklessly.’
‘And my alleged recklessness led to me being arrested for crimes I did not commit.
‘I would just like to stress that at the time in question, I was doing nothing different than several of Manchester City’s first-team players.’
Mendy’s legal team will likely argue that Manchester City’s decision to withhold his salary was unjustified, given his eventual acquittal.
The tribunal’s outcome will have significant implications for both Mendy’s finances and Manchester City’s reputation.
The case highlights the complexities of player contracts, club responsibilities, and the consequences of serious allegations.
As the tribunal unfolds, attention will focus on the specifics of Mendy’s claim and Manchester City’s response.
Mendy, earned 10 caps for France, currently plays for FC Lorient in the second division of French football.
He joined the club in July 2023 on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Manchester City.
Mendy spent six years at the Etihad Stadium, having transferred to City from Monaco in 2017.