Benjamin Mendy, a former defender for Manchester City, has commenced legal action against his former club in an effort to recover significant financial losses totaling £10 million. The lawsuit pertains to the purported failure of the club to remunerate Mendy’s salaries throughout a pivotal phase of his career.
Highlights
- Legal Battle Unfolds: Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy initiates legal proceedings against the club, seeking up to £10 million in lost earnings due to alleged non-payment of salaries during his suspension and subsequent legal battles.
- Acquittal and Controversial Suspension: Mendy, who faced serious charges of rape, was found not guilty earlier this year. However, Manchester City suspended him in August 2021, asserting he was unavailable for work during his bail and trial periods, leading to the withholding of wages.
- Renowned Attorney Takes the Lead: Mendy enlists the representation of sports attorney Nick De Marco QC in the legal pursuit against Manchester City. The lawsuit focuses on “unauthorized deductions from wages” during a tumultuous period in Mendy’s career.
- Bankruptcy Threat and Financial Struggles: The legal action comes amidst reports that HM Revenue and Customs are seeking a bankruptcy order against Mendy for a tax debt of nearly £800,000. Mendy’s financial challenges add a layer of complexity to the legal dispute.
- Employment Tribunal Looms: With no resolution reached between Mendy and Manchester City, the case is set to go before an employment tribunal. The tribunal will scrutinize the club’s decision to halt wage payments and delve into Mendy’s claims of unauthorized deductions, offering insights into the financial dynamics between player and club.
Background of the Legal Battle
Current Lorient player Benjamin Mendy departed Manchester City in the midst of grave legal allegations, which included rape charges.
Notwithstanding his acquittal earlier this year, Mendy was placed on suspension by the club in August 2021, and his formal departure occurred in June 2023. During this specific time frame, City allegedly withheld Mendy’s weekly salary of £100,000 on the grounds that he was legally unable to work.
Claims and Allegations
Mendy levies allegations against the management of Manchester City, alleging that they engaged in “unauthorized deductions from wages” during his legal proceedings.
The labor court has been presented with the legal action, which comprises demands for millions of pounds in unpaid compensation spanning from September 2021 to June 2023.
Nick De Marco QC, a renowned sports attorney, is representing Mendy in this multimillion-pound lawsuit.
Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy Threat
As the legal dispute progresses, Mendy is confronted with the imminent peril of insolvency. Reportedly, HM Revenue and Customs has initiated bankruptcy proceedings against the individual in question on account of a tax liability amounting to approximately £800,000.
Mendy’s attorney acknowledges the financial challenges faced by his client and conveys Mendy’s determination to promptly resolve the issue.
City’s Response and Employment Tribunal
Reportedly taken aback by Mendy’s legal action, Manchester City has refrained from releasing an immediate statement. Mendy intends to present evidence to an employment tribunal that the club neglected to meet its financial obligations within the specified time frame.
At this hearing, the matter will be presented. The potential ramifications of this legal conflict on Mendy’s financial position and the club’s standing are substantial.
Looking Ahead
Following the resolution of legal disputes that led to his acquittal, Benjamin Mendy is presently maneuvering through an intricate legal terrain involving his former club.
It is anticipated that the employment tribunal will provide a comprehensive analysis of the contractual complexities involving Mendy and Manchester City, thereby illuminating the club’s rationale for withholding wages throughout the legal proceedings.
The ongoing legal dispute further complicates Benjamin Mendy’s already turbulent career, prompting inquiries into the financial obligations of clubs and the legal responsibilities that players face during difficult phases of their careers.
FAQs
1. Why is Benjamin Mendy suing Manchester City?
- Mendy is suing Manchester City over alleged non-payment of wages, claiming the club made unauthorized deductions during his suspension and trial period, amounting to millions of pounds.
2. What led to Benjamin Mendy’s suspension from Manchester City?
- Mendy was suspended by Manchester City in August 2021 after facing charges of rape. The club deemed him unavailable for work during his bail and trial, leading to the withholding of wages.
3. Who is representing Benjamin Mendy in the legal action against Manchester City?
- Renowned sports attorney Nick De Marco QC is representing Benjamin Mendy in the multimillion-pound claim for unauthorized deductions from wages, bringing the case before an employment tribunal.
A Look at Benjamin Mendy’s Career and Life
The career of French professional footballer Benjamin Mendy has been marked by both accomplishments on and off the field and controversies. Here is an in-depth examination of his life and career:
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Benjamin Mendy commenced his professional football career in France, where he refined his abilities in the youth systems affiliated with multiple clubs.
His breakthrough moment occurred in 2016 when he joined AS Monaco. An immediate consequence of his outstanding performances as a left-back for Monaco, he attracted the interest of leading football clubs.
Premier League Success with Manchester City
Mendy signed a transfer to Manchester City in 2017 for a record-setting amount for a defender at the time. A member of the team since the tenure of manager Pep Guardiola.
Mendy contributed to the success of City during his tenure, which included multiple Premier League titles.
Legal Troubles and Suspension
Mendy’s career, nevertheless, descended into controversy when he was confronted with grave legal allegations. He was placed on suspension by Manchester City in August 2021 subsequent to his apprehension on four counts of rape.
His playing career was terminated as a result of the suspension, and City declined to remunerate him for this time, attributing the delay to his unavailability for work.
Legal Battles and Acquittal
Mendy vigorously disavowed the charges, and subsequent to an extensive trial, he was acquitted of all allegations in January of the subsequent year.
Notwithstanding the triumph in court, his tenure as a professional with Manchester City came to a close when his contract expired in June 2023.
Ongoing Legal Dispute with Manchester City
Mendy is currently engaged in legal proceedings against Manchester City, alleging that the club neglected to remunerate him from September 2021 until the conclusion of his contract, subsequent to his acquittal.
In the dispute, allegations of unauthorized wage deductions are at issue, and an employment tribunal has been scheduled to hear the case. As a current player for Lorient, Mendy is attempting to recover millions of pounds in lost earnings.
Financial Struggles and Threat of Bankruptcy
In addition to his football career, Mendy encounters financial obstacles. HMRC has initiated bankruptcy proceedings against him on account of a tax liability amounting to approximately £800,000.
Mendy, in consultation with his legal counsel, has conveyed his intention to resolve the debt; however, he recognizes the challenge of doing so in a timely manner.
The life and career of Benjamin Mendy exemplify the peaks and valleys of professional achievement and legal disputes, respectively, rendering his account a multifaceted and dynamic account within the realm of football.
