Benjamin Mendy, the footballer recently acquitted of rape charges, is now embroiled in a legal dispute with Manchester City. Mendy has filed a “multi-million-pound” claim against the club, alleging unpaid wages.
The backdrop to this conflict involves the suspension of Mendy’s £100,000-a-week ($125,000) wages by Manchester City in September 2021, following accusations of sexual assault. Mendy was cleared of all charges earlier this year by a jury at Chester Crown Court.
According to Sky Sports, Mendy filed the claim with the Employment Tribunal, alleging “unauthorized deductions from wages” during the period when his trial was taking place.
Mendy, who became the Premier League’s most expensive defender in 2017, is pursuing a claim for unpaid wages from September 2021 until the expiration of his contract in June 2023. The former Manchester City player, under contract until June 2023, is seeking to recover the salary owed for this period, according to Daily Mail.
He has enlisted the services of prominent sports lawyer Nick De Marco KC to represent him. The claim, citing “unauthorized deductions from wages,” alleges that the club ceased payment of Mendy’s wages in September 2021, after he was charged with offenses for which he was later acquitted.
The case is set to be brought before an Employment Tribunal. Louis Doyle KC, who is representing Mendy, explained that ongoing discussions with Manchester City are progressing steadily, and there is an optimistic expectation of a positive resolution to the dispute.
Mendy’s accountant, David Lumley, has estimated the back pay claim against Manchester City to be around £9-10 million gross. In a related development, Mendy reportedly reduced the asking price of his Cheshire mansion by £750,000 as part of efforts to avoid bankruptcy.
This move follows Mendy’s transition to Ligue 1 side Lorient as he seeks to rebuild his career after facing two criminal trials.
As a result of the financial challenges, the football star reportedly lowered the asking price of his Cheshire mansion to £4.25 million. This decision follows revelations in the High Court that Mendy was selling the property and pursuing millions in back pay from Manchester City to avoid bankruptcy.
Despite two offers being made on the house, Mendy has reduced the asking price. His lawyer, Doyle, acknowledged Mendy’s embarrassment about the debt, stating that he is eager to settle it quickly and admitting the financial difficulty he is in. The bankruptcy order stands at almost £800,000.
HM Revenue and Customs is reportedly pursuing a bankruptcy order against Mendy due to a tax debt nearing £800,000. A specialist judge adjourned the hearing to October, giving Mendy time to sell his house and settle the debt.
However, it appears that the left-back has faced challenges in finding a buyer for his prestigious former home in Mottram St Andrew, described by estate agents Savills as “one of the finest contemporary homes in Cheshire.”
The property in question is an impressive 11,000-square-foot residence set in over 1.75 acres of grounds. Described by estate agents Savills as an “amazing” home, it features six-bedroom suites, an open-plan living area, a games room, a home cinema, a swimming pool, a steam room, a gym, and a spa.
The house, marketed by Savills, was constructed approximately 15 years ago and has undergone two upgrades in the intervening years.
