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TORONTO – Mayor Rob Ford will testify in open court to defend himself against conflict of interest allegations that have been brought against him.

In March, Toronto-resident Paul Magder launched the lawsuit claiming that Ford violated the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and “should be removed from office,” according to a press release issued by Clayton Ruby.

A motion brought forward by Magder sought to force Ford to testify in open court, because “Mayor Ford’s credibility is in issue in this case,” according to the press release.

The Mayor’s office issued a press release on Friday afternoon saying “the Mayor is looking forward to his day in court.”

The conflict of interest allegations stem from a vote taken in February during which Ford asked council to rescind a sanction forcing him to pay thousands back to donors of his football foundation.

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In August 2010, council found that Rob Ford, a city councillor at the time, had violated the Code of Conduct for Members of Council when he allegedly used City of Toronto letterhead and his influence as a city councillor to fundraise for his football foundation.

Council ordered Ford to pay $3,150 back to those who had donated to his foundation.

In February 2012, Ford asked council to overturn the 2010 decision. Ford participated in the vote to remove the sanctions placed upon him, and according to Magder, broke conflict of interest rules while doing so.

If the court finds Ford’s actions breached the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act the mandatory penalty is removal from office.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Hearings will begin on September 5.