Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been accused of rape and sexual assault. The Frenchman was charged by Cheshire Constabulary and has been remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance on Friday.
The 27-year-old, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, is accused of four counts of rape and one of sexual assault relating to three separate complainants.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place between October last year and August this year.
As a result, Manchester City have suspended the defender pending an investigation.
In a statement, a spokesman for his club said: “Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.
“The matter is subject to a legal process and the Club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete.”
Mendy joined Manchester City in July 2017 on a five-year contract for a reported £52m fee.