Man City defender Benjamin Mendy pleads not guilty to rape charges

Benjamin Mendy, a Manchester City defender, has entered not guilty pleas to all nine sexual offense charges against him.

Last August, the France international and World Cup winner was suspended after authorities charged him with several rape offenses.

At Chester Crown Court, the 27-year-old denied all charges and will stand trial on July 25.

Mendy is accused of nine different sexual offenses involving six different women, including seven counts of rape.

Last year, the France international was charged with multiple counts, with an additional charge added in February, for alleged crimes committed between October 2018 and August 2021.

Meanwhile, co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie has pleaded not guilty to a dozen additional charges dating from July 2012 to August 2021, including eight counts of rape.

He is still under contract with the club, despite having played no significant role in Pep Guardiola’s recent league triumph.

The city is unlikely to take any action until a court decision is reached. Mendy is still out on bail.