Football player Benjamin Mendy's trial, in which he is charged with eight charges of rape, will start today.
Mendy, a 28-year-old player for Manchester City, is charged with one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault.
He disputes every accusation.
At Chester Crown Court, Timothy Cray QC is anticipated to present the prosecution's opening statement.
Prior to the trial, the names of six Manchester City players—Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, and John Stones—were read to the jury to make sure no members had any ties to anyone who might be mentioned in court or called as a witness.
The offences against seven young women are allegedly committed by Mendy, a Premier League standout and France international, between October 2018 and August of last year.
Along with 40-year-old co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, he will be tried.
Matturie, of Eccles, Salford, denies four counts of sexual assault and eight counts of rape involving eight young people.
The alleged offences occurred between July 2012 and August 2011.
There are limitations on reporting prior to the trial and it is impossible to identify any of the implicated ladies.
Mendy joined Manchester City in 2017, after leaving Monaco, for an estimated £52 million.
After being charged by the police, the club suspended him.
The trial might run up to 15 weeks, and both defendants are free on bond.