Benjamin Mendy has filed an £11 million unpaid wages claim against Manchester City, alleging teammates attended alcohol-fueled parties during COVID-19 restrictions. Mendy asserts he was unfairly singled out after being acquitted of sexual assault charges while teammates engaged in similar behavior without consequences.
In a recent employment tribunal, Benjamin Mendy has launched an £11 million claim against Manchester City, alleging that several teammates participated in alcohol-fueled parties during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he claims contributed to his financial woes following his legal troubles.
Mendy, who was acquitted of multiple sexual assault charges earlier this year, stated that players, including club captain Kyle Walker and others, attended parties at his home. He provided evidence of this claim through a January 2023 article from The Athletic, which identified Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, and John Stones as attendees during one specific gathering. Although the tribunal did not disclose names during the hearing, Mendy maintained that “all drank alcohol” and “all breached Covid-19 restrictions.”
His accusations against the club arose after being suspended in August 2021 and subsequently not receiving his annual salary of £6 million while awaiting trial. Mendy argued that while he faced the repercussions of his actions, other players who joined him at these gatherings have not been similarly penalized. “It is unfair for Manchester City to single me out,” he stated, emphasizing that his actions mirrored those of his teammates.
Mendy expressed that he has struggled financially due to his wages being withheld, leading to the sale of his Cheshire mansion to cover legal costs and support payments for his children. He noted that his teammates, including Sterling, Mahrez, and Bernardo Silva, provided financial support during his challenging times.
During the tribunal, Mendy also reflected on his lifestyle choices during a period of personal turmoil, including the death of his father. He stated, “I was ready, willing, and able to perform my duties as a player,” suggesting that the club’s narrative painted him as reckless while ignoring the behavior of his peers.
Former Manchester City chief football officer Omar Berrada testified during the hearing, although he struggled to provide clear answers regarding the disciplinary measures taken against other players who attended the parties. This lack of clarity further underscored Mendy's claims of injustice.
As the tribunal proceeds, the focus remains on the implications of Mendy's allegations and the response from Manchester City regarding his claim for unpaid wages, spanning from September 2021 to July 2023. The outcome could not only impact Mendy's future but also raise questions about the club's management of player conduct during a turbulent period.
