The 33-year-old player was detained by Lyon road traffic police, but was later released after being questioned and he returned to the training ground.

A Lyon official told AFP that the player had been caught speeding in his car several times and had failed to respond to police charges.

The L'Equipe website said that several months ago Wiltord was clocked speeding at 135 kilometres an hour in a 50 kilometres an hour traffic zone.

The 33-year-old player has been in dispute with Lyon, the reigning French champions, over disciplinary matters for the last few months and his future at the club had been in doubt.

The former Arsenal striker appeared before a Lyon disciplinary committee on May 14 to answer charges that he had broken club rules.