France to seek change for Benzema's court date

MADRID (AP) -- France will ask to change Karim Benzema's court day because it coincides with a World Cup qualifier against Spain.

France coach Didier Deschamps told Canal Plus television in Madrid that "we will try to find a solution because Benzema is a very important player for us."

Benzema has been called to appear before a Madrid court on charges of reckless driving at 10 a.m. local time on March 26, with the game's kickoff 10 hours later in Paris.

The teams are level on points at the top of their qualifying group for the 2014 World Cup.

Benzema was caught driving at 216 kph (134 mph) in a speed zone of 100 kph (62 mph) in the Spanish capital on Feb. 3. He faces losing his driver's license and a fine.