Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy on Friday was released on bail after he was charged in court with rape.
The 27-year-old defender, who is currently suspended by City pending charges against him, has been accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The alleged charges brought forward against Mendy relate to five women and the City full-back has been in custody since last August.
Mendy, of Withinlee Road, Prestbury, Cheshire, appeared at Edwin Court in Eccles alongside co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie.
Matturie, 40, of Eccles, Salford, has also been charged with six counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
According to PA Media, Judge Patrick Thompson allowed Mendy to be released on bail ahead of his trial, which is believed to take place on either 27th June or 1st August.
It has been reported that the France international has 'stringent' bail conditions as he waits for his trial relating to the rape and sexual assault allegations.
Mendy has been informed he must surrender his passport and live at his home address, as well as not make any contact with the complainants involved in the trial.
The 2018 World Cup winner is now scheduled to appear at Chester Crown Court on 24th January.
Judge Thompson warned the accused that a warrant for his arrest would be issued if he fails to attend the hearing.
Mendy and Matturie had been held at Category-B HMP Altcourse in Liverpool until 23rd December.
However, the pair were reportedly moved to Category-A HMP Manchester, better known as Strangeways, due to concerns over their safety.
Mendy was the world’s most expensive defender in July 2017 after City splashed out a hefty £52m transfer fee to secure him from Monaco.
The City left-back has made 75 appearances in five seasons at the club and lifted three Premier League titles and two League Cups.
Topics: Benjamin Mendy, Manchester City, Premier League, England, Football
Adnan Riaz