Ribery scandal seen making Real move unlikely

The prospect of a transfer by Bayern Munich’s France international Franck Ribery to Real Madrid has dimmed because of the allegations that he had relations with an under-age call-girl, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

Sports daily Marca, without citing sources, said the scandal swirling around the 27-year-old midfielder, had “warded off almost definitely” the chance of his joining the Spanish giants.

During police questioning Ribery, who is married and has two daughters, admitted having relations with the prostitute but said he did not know she was underage, a French judicial official told AFP on Monday.

It is now up to the judge presiding over the case to decide whether or not to bring charges against him.

If charged and found guilty Ribery could face a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros (60,000 dollars).

Last week Ribery, who was a Real target last year, said he planned to make a decision on his future “within 10 days”.

His Bayern deal expires next year but he hinted last month that he would favour a move to Spain if he opted to leave Bavaria, but insisted no decision had been taken.