Benjamin Mendy, a football player for Manchester City, has entered a not guilty plea to yet another rape case.
Before a trial that is scheduled to begin on Monday at Chester Crown Court, the 28-year-old French footballer entered a plea.
Also, before the trial’s opening on Monday, the names of Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, and John Stones—all of whom either currently plays for or have formerly played for City—were read to the jury panel at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday.
The possible jurors, chosen from a panel of 38, were given a list of people who could testify or be mentioned during the trial and were asked if they knew them or had any relationship with them.
After entering not guilty pleas to the other nine accusations during prior hearings, Mendy pled not guilty to one of the rape counts on Wednesday.
Mendy, who was dressed in a blue suit, is on trial with Louis Saha Matturie, 40, of Eccles, Salford, who is accused of raping and assaulting eight young women on eight separate occasions.
In addition to hearing the complainants’ identities, prospective jurors were questioned about their ties to Manchester City, Manchester United, or the police.
They were informed by Chester’s honorary recorder of judges, Judge Steven Everett, that Mr. Mendy is a professional football player. He is a member of Manchester City.
Two jurors who will be released following the start of the case were among the eight men and six women who were sworn in to serve on the panel. They were informed that a 15-week study was anticipated.
On Wednesday, there were about 20 media representatives present in court; others watched via video link. The accused was in the dock with a French interpreter.
The jury was questioned
The 40-year-old co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, who has also rejected the accusations, will testify alongside the French international from Prestbury, Cheshire, during the trial.
Mr. Matturie, of Eccles, Salford, has entered a not guilty plea to four counts of sexual assault and eight counts of rape involving eight different women that occurred between July 2012 and August 2021.
Potential jurors were required to respond to a series of questions before being chosen by vote to serve on the jury.
The jury members were questioned about their relationships with and personal knowledge of a list of individuals who might testify or be mentioned during the trial.
These featured Manchester City players Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Riyad Mahrez, and Jack Grealish from the Premier League.
What happened to Benjamin Mendy
Eight allegations of rape, one case of sexual assault, and one count of an attempted rape were previously leveled against Mendy, 28. Benjamin Mendy, a football player for Manchester City and France, was also accused of rape on another occasion.
Since moving to Manchester City from Monaco in 2017, Mr. Mendy has played in 50 Premier League games. He has also earned 10 France national team appearances.
After being accused, Manchester City suspended him. He is, however, still contracted to the club until June 30, 2023.
