Benzema denies under-age prostitute allegations

French striker Karim Benzema denies the charges of soliciting an under-age prostitute that have been formally made against him, his lawyer Sylvain Cormier said on Wednesday.

“Karim Benzema formally denies the allegations made against him,” Cormier told AFP, adding that he enjoyed the full support of his club, Real Madrid.

“He disputes what (the prostitute) Zahia D said. He has not had sexual relations with her. There is no reason why the player’s words should count less than those of Zahia D.”

Benzema, 22, and his France international colleague Franck Ribery were both placed under investigation by a Paris magistrate on Tuesday as part of a probe into a prostitution ring linked to a Champs Elysees nightclub.

Ribery’s brother-in-law was also charged, but all three men were later released.

“The formal investigation is the most serious thing,” Cormier added.

“It is shocking in a case with such a high media profile and with such incalculable consequences.”

Ribery and Benzema face three years in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros if found guilty, but only if the prosecution can prove that they knew the prostitute was a minor at the time of their liaisons with her.

The age of sexual consent in France is 15 but it is illegal to have sex with a prostitute under the age of 18.

Ribery has admitted to having relations with the woman, Zahia Dehar, but says he did know she was only 17 at the time and Dehar has supported his claims in a magazine interview.

Benzema’s lawyer also addressed comments made by Fernand Duchaussoy, who is expected to become the interim president of the French Football Federation and who believes Benzema and Ribery should not be allowed to play for France while they are under investigation.

“The repercussions are unimaginable,” said Cormier.

“We don’t know what it will lead to but people are already calling for punishments before the case has even concluded.

“We can’t be satisfied with this situation in a democratic state. Our penal code in this area appears completely obsolete and contrary to the international conventions observed by France.”