Bayern Munich star player Franck Ribery's and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema's trial was adjourned until January. The two have been charged for paying the then minor, Zahia Dehar in exchange for sexual favours in 2008 (Benzema) and 2009 (Ribery).

During the first trial day on Tuesday in Paris, none of the accused appeared on court as expected. After two hours, the trial was adjourned. The judges consider a plea to throw the case out of court.

Ribery, now 30 years old, claimed Dehar, paid her 700 euros to have sex with her during his 26th birthday. She added that she was flown from Paris to a Munich hotel for the occasion. The Bayern Munich winger admitted to have met the woman but denied to know that she was a prostitute and a minor at that. The star player added that he indeed gave the money to Dehar but not for its alleged purpose. He claimed to have paid for the food, hotel, and transportation expenses.

The now 25 year old Benzema, for his part, allegedly paid the former Champs-Elysees nightclub prostitute 500 euros in his attempt to solicit a sexual favour with her. He was suspected to have slept with the woman at his hotel after the French Union of Professional Footballer's awards dinner in Paris. The Real Madrid striker denied the allegations.

Court documents state that Dehar was an underage prostitute since she was 15 or 16. However, she claims to be of the legal age of 18 when she talks to her clients.

Carlo-Alberto Brusa who represents Ribery in court said that his client's "entire life was held up to the spotlight during the investigation. We hope the court will recognise the non-constitutionality of the charges, which I am appealing. Either that, or he will be acquitted and this is going to be another challenge that will imperil his private and family life".

Ribery can also count on the club during these trying times. "Of course we are concerned with it - we cannot pass on a topic like this. We have a responsibility to our player and will signal to him that we are on his side, and he'll get the best support from us," Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer was quoted by the German media as saying.

Ribery and Benzema may stay behind bars for up to 3 years once found guilty. A fine of 45,000 euros may likewise be charged from them once convicted.

Meanwhile, the woman associated to the France internationals in this scandal which broke just before the 2010 World Cup, apparently have put the past behind. Dehar is now designer Karl Lagerfeld's muse. She is also launching her own lingerie line.