Manchester City French international defender Benjamin Mendy pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges in a British court on Monday.
“Not guilty”, repeated the 27-year-old footballer several times before the court in Chester (north-west of England), denying the seven rapes, the attempted rape and the sexual assault of which he is accused by six women.
Suspended by his club
These nine counts relate to events that allegedly took place between October 2018 and August 2021 at his home in Prestbury, Cheshire.
After spending several months in pre-trial detention, the 2018 world champion was released in early January and placed under judicial supervision, pending his trial which is due to open on July 25.
The case started at the end of August 2021 when the Manchester City club announced the suspension of the player, under contract until June 2023, without further explanation.
English justice then quickly announced that the player had been placed in pre-trial detention after being accused of four rapes and a sexual assault, by three women including a minor.
Other charges were then added.
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