The criminal court trial had initially been set for June but was adjourned for procedural reasons. It resumed Monday, but without Ribery or Benzema present. They are legally entitled to be represented by their lawyers instead, although their absence may make an unfavorable impression on the jury. Self-described escort Zahia Dehar, now 21, contends Ribery flew her to Munich as a birthday present to himself in 2009 when she was under 18. She says she lied to the players and told them she was an adult. Although Ribery has admitted to having sexual relations with Dehar, he claims they were not paid for and that he did not know that she was either a prostitute or a minor at the time. Benzema has denied all the allegations. Prostitution is legal in France, but prostitutes must be over 18. The two players face potential prison terms of up to three years if convicted. The scandal broke in 2010, just before France’s ill-fated World Cup campaign, where Ribery was designated as one of the ring leaders of a training ground strike that shocked the nation.