(FILES) This file photo taken on July 14, 2016 shows International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde speaking at the Center for Global Development in Washington, DC. IMF chief Christine Lagarde will goe on trial in France on December 12, 2016 over a massive state payout to a flamboyant tycoon when she was finance minister in a case that risks tarnishing her stellar career. Lagarde denies the charges of negligence, arguing she was acting "in the state's interest" in making the payment to Bernard Tapie, the former owner of sportswear giant Adidas and Olympique Marseille football club. If found guilty, Lagarde could receive a one-year prison sentence and a 15,000 euro ($15,900) fine. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON