Bayern Munich are "very worried" by the Franck Ribéry case, the club's chief executive has revealed.

Preliminary proceedings were launched against the French national player for his part in the sex scandal involving underage prostitute Zahia D. (18). The 27-year-old could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

Bayern had not gotten involved in the matter before, indicating that it was a private matter for Ribéry.

But now, however, out of fear of a disproportionately severe sentence, the Bundesliga giants are going on the offensive.

Chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told BILD: "I think this is a politically motivated story because of the French national team’s poor performance at the World Cup. Ribéry is to be made the scapegoat.

"We are very worried over the outcome of the proceedings."

Background: Following France's embarrassing and scandal-hit first round exit in South Africa – which saw Nicolas Anelka sent home after insulting coach Raymond Domenech as well as a player strike – public anger turned on the players.

Even politicians became involved, with President Nicolas Sarkozy meeting star striker Thierry Henry for his side of the story.

Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot slated the team as a being in a "state of ruin, physically, technically and morally”. The squad had reportedly refused to meet her at their World Cup base.

Is politics now putting pressure on the justice system?

Radio station ‘Europe 1’ suspects similar motives as Bayern: “Is Ribéry now paying for the national team? Is the investigating judge a disappointed fan?”

Ribéry was questioned for seven hours on Tuesday. Reports from France suggest he made contradictory statements.

Judge Yves-André Dando is now investigating possible 'solicitation of a minor prostitute' against Ribéry. He believes the player knew Zahia was only 17 during three meetings.

This is being denied by Zahia as well as Ribéry. Both reported the following dialogue to the authorities to the authorities from a meeting in Munich:

Him: "And how old are you?" Her: "I'm 18."

Ribéry travelled yesterday to South Tyrol for rehabilitation after undergoing an operation on his injured groin. The midfield star is due to report back with Bayern on Sunday.

How is Ribery dealing with the whole fuss? His lawyer Sophie Bottai admitted: "He is upset." The lawyer wants to submit an application for dismissal of proceedings.

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In an exclusive interview, Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery told BILD he "must now overcome this low point" amid a sex scandal furore.