Benjamin Mendy has been removed from FIFA 22 while he is awaiting trial for rape and sexual assault.

Mendy will go on trial on January 24, 2022, having been accused of the rape of two women and the sexual assault of a third. He has been accused of four counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

The 27-year-old is currently being remanded in custody.

Players of FIFA 22 noticed Mendy was available as part of the EA Play early access program, which allows users to try a full version of the game from September 22 until the full release on October 1.

However, game makers EA Sports has now taken him out of the game ahead of the release.

In a statement to The Athletic, it said: “As Benjamin Mendy has been removed from the active rosters of both Manchester City and the French National team, in FIFA 22 he has also been removed from respective rosters and suspended from appearing in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) packs and Ultimate Draft while he is awaiting trial.”

Mendy was also available in the game’s most popular mode, FIFA Ultimate Team.

An EA Sports spokesperson added: “The changes in FUT were made the day after the launch of the EA Play early access trial resulting in some players having access to Mendy in packs before the suspension kicked in.”

The Frenchman is currently suspended by City.

(Photo: James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)