The Cheshire police have said that Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy has been charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The French international, who has been suspended by his club pending an investigation, will appear in court on Friday.
Cheshire police said the charges are in relation to three complainants over the age of 16, and are alleged to have occurred between October 2020 and August 2021.
The full-back has been remanded in custody before his appearance at Chester Magistrates’ Court.
A police spokesman said: “Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Mendy are live and that he has a right to a fair trial.”
The former Monaco defender joined the Premier League champions in 2017 and has won three Premier League titles during his spell with Pep Guardiola’s side.
“Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation,” a Manchester City statement said.
“The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete.”