France internationals Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema are set to face trial for allegedly soliciting an underage prostitute.

The duo are set to face the charges along with eight others after judicial papers were submitted by investigating magistrate Andre Dando this week.

According to reports some of the defendants will be prosecuted for 'aggravated pimping'.

The long-running case began in 2010 when Zahia Dehar claimed Real Madrid striker Benzema paid for sex with her in 2008, when she was 16. Dehar also alleged Ribery flew her to Munich for sex a year later.

Prostitution is not illegal in France, however, it is with persons aged under 18.

Prosecutors requested in November last year that the case against Ribery and Benzema, who have repeatedly denied the charges, be dropped because they were unaware that Dehar was underage.

Dehar, now 20 and who has become a celebrity in France since the story broke, has admitted both players did not know her age at the time of
the alleged meetings.

If found guilty Ribery and Benzema could face three years in prison or a £35,000 fine.

Lawyers for both players revealed their confidence that they would beat any charge against their clients.

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