Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has won a legal battle against the club, securing his right to recover a significant amount of withheld wages. After facing a prolonged legal ordeal, Mendy argued in an employment tribunal that Manchester City had made “unauthorized deductions” from his salary during his trial on rape charges, a case in which he was ultimately acquitted.

Manchester City initially stopped paying Mendy’s £500,000-a-month salary in 2021, following his second arrest. The club had continued his salary after his initial arrest in November 2020 but later informed him that payment would be suspended, citing his inability to fulfill contract obligations. The tribunal, as reported by the Daily Mail, concluded that City’s decision constituted a breach, though the exact amount to be paid remains under negotiation.

During the hearing, Mendy revealed that he initially filed a claim for approximately £11 million before tax, covering a 22-month period of lost wages. The tribunal awarded him most of his claim, yet if both parties fail to agree on a settlement, a further hearing will determine the final sum.

In his defense, Mendy stated that former Manchester City Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada had assured him that his salary would resume upon acquittal. However, when Mendy reached out for confirmation, both Berrada and Chief Executive Khaldoon Al Mubarak reportedly remained silent, leaving him without recourse.

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Financial strains mounted during the trial period, leading Mendy to sell his Cheshire mansion to cover legal fees, bills, and child support. He disclosed to the court that former City teammates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez supported him financially in his time of need.

City’s legal counsel argued that Mendy’s conduct, including reports of hosting parties at his home during lockdown and breaching bail conditions, justified the wage suspension. Sean Jones KC, representing the club, suggested that Mendy’s actions implied irresponsibility that should impact his contract obligations, challenging the notion that he could “behave as irresponsibly as I like” without consequence.

The tribunal’s decision represents a significant step for Mendy, who expressed relief and gratitude following his acquittal, saying “Alhamdulillah,” or “Praise be to God.” Hickman & Rose’s Head of Serious & General Crime, Jenny Wiltshire, who represented Mendy, emphasized the prolonged impact of the legal battle, stating, “This is the second time that Mr. Mendy has been tried and found not guilty by a jury… the process has had a serious impact on him.”

Now back in his home country of France, Mendy has since signed with Lorient in Ligue 2, aiming to rebuild his life and career after years of personal and professional hardship.