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Football Stars Quizzed In Child Sex Inquiry
2:34pm, Monday April 19, 2010
French football star Franck Ribery has been questioned as a witness by police investigating allegations of child prostitution.
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Ribery was not charged with any offence by police
The Bayern Munich winger and France international was not charged with any offence and his lawyer said the player "was questioned as a witness - for us the matter stops there". A second French international, Sidney Govou, 30, was also quizzed as a witness in the case. Another French international is reported to have admitted having a relationship with a prostitute but denied knowing she was under the age of 18.
The allegations centre on a Paris nightclub said to be a popular haunt with some French footballers. Underage escort girls are alleged to have worked at the club. Ribery's lawyer, Sophie Bottai, said her 27-year-old client was questioned by police who were investigating claims that an acquaintance of the player was involved with the prostitute. "Personalities, including Franck Ribery and other international players, have among their contacts someone who is known to be close to an escort network," she said.
"It is only due to that contact that they have or will hear from the police services. "The case does not concern my client and even if it did it would be a private matter. "He was questioned as a witness - for us the matter stops there." Ribery is widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the world and has repeatedly been linked with Europe's biggest clubs. His form will be key to France's chances of winning the World Cup when the tournament gets under way in June.