Police quiz Ribery, Benzema in sex probe

France players Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema have been detained for questioning by police officials as part of an investigation into an alleged prostitution ring.

France players Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema have been detained for questioning by police officials as part of an investigation into an alleged prostitution ring.

HT Image

A police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because she is not authorized to speak to the media told The Associated Press the players were being questioned by a special prostitution brigade in Paris on Tuesday.

The investigation started this year after a young woman claimed that several football players on France's national team paid to have sex with her when she was a minor.

Prostitution is legal in France, but prostitutes must be over 18 years old, and clients are liable if they are not.

The case is in the investigation stage, and no charges have been filed.

The young woman, Zahia Dehar, said the players were not aware she was underage when they had sex with her.