The biggest challenge to Manchester City's Premier League dominance was due to start on Monday at a hearing into a slew alleged financial breaches .
On the line is City's reputation and punishment could be as extreme as expulsion from the league.
City, which has won the last four league titles, denies the charges, which include providing misleading information about its finances. It will be down to a team of lawyers to clear the club's name and finally quash accusations that have cast a cloud over its unprecedented period of success.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that the long-awaited hearing into more than 100 charges of alleged financial wrongdoing was due to start.
"I'm happy it's starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumors," he said. "Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven."
