Football

Benjamin Mendy, the former Manchester City defender, has filed a claim for unpaid wages amounting to £11.5 million ($15 million) against the Premier League champions. Mendy's legal battle stems from his arrest and subsequent charges of rape and sexual assault in 2021.After being charged, Manchester City suspended Mendy's wages, citing his bail conditions and Football Association suspension. However, Mendy claims that a senior City official assured him that he would receive his unpaid wages once he was cleared of the charges.In January 2023, Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. However, the jury could not reach a verdict on another count of rape and one count of attempted rape. A retrial was held, and Mendy was acquitted of both charges.Mendy's financial situation deteriorated rapidly after his wages were withheld. He was forced to sell his Cheshire mansion to cover legal fees, bills, and child support payments. In a witness statement, Mendy revealed that he had to borrow money from teammates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez to support his family.Mendy's employment tribunal is expected to last for two days. He argues that he is entitled to the unpaid wages he would have earned if he had not been falsely arrested. Manchester City, on the other hand, maintains that they were not obligated to pay Mendy's wages due to his suspension and inability to perform his duties as a player.Mendy's case highlights the complex legal and financial challenges faced by athletes who are accused of serious crimes. The outcome of the tribunal will have implications for both Mendy and Manchester City, as well as for other clubs and players who may find themselves in similar situations in the future.

Kylian Mbappé's departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been marred by a financial dispute between the French striker and the club's Qatari owners, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). Mbappé is claiming unpaid wages amounting to approximately €55 million, prompting him to file a complaint with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).The unpaid wages include three months of salary (April, May, and June), an "ethical bonus" for the same period, and the final installment of a €36 million signing bonus that was due in February. According to French newspaper Le Monde, PSG received an official notice from Mbappé's camp in mid-June.Mbappé's complaint was initially filed with the legal committee of the French Professional Football League (LFP), citing article 259 of France's professional football charter. The matter was subsequently referred to UEFA via the French Football Federation (FFF).The dispute has further strained the relationship between Mbappé and PSG, which ended on a sour note after the striker's seven-year stint at the club. Reports emerged of a verbal altercation between Mbappé and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi.Mbappé has since joined Real Madrid, where he has made an immediate impact. He won the UEFA Super Cup in his first game and played a role in the team's 1-1 draw against Mallorca in their La Liga opener.The financial dispute between Mbappé and PSG highlights the complexities of player contracts and the potential for disputes when clubs fail to meet their obligations. It also raises questions about the financial management of PSG, which has spent heavily on player acquisitions in recent years.