体坛英语新闻：Ribery, Benzema to miss France squad over prostitution probe

PARIS, July 22 (Xinhua) -- French international soccer players Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema are likely to miss chances to join the country's national soccer team as they are under judicial investigation on sex probe, local Medias reported on Thursday.

Fernand Duchaussoy, who is due to head France Football Federation (FFF), excluded any participation of Ribery and Benzeam in French soccer squad after they were charged with having paid sex with a minor.

"I do not want Benzeam and Ribery to wear France jersey while they are under investigation. I'll hold talks with Laurent Blanc on the follow-up on these two players. Be sure that I take my responsibilities," Duchaussoy was quoted as saying by local media.

Franck Ribery

Germany-based midfielder Ribery and Spain-based striker Benzema were under judicial investigation on charges of soliciting underage prostitute in 2008 and 2009.

Both soccer players were released meanwhile further investigation is underway. If convicted, Ribery will face a three-year jail term and a fine of 45,000 euros (57,862 US dollars).