After a foiled attempt to blackmail French midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, Real Madrid and France forward, Karim Benzema has been suspended from the national team by the French Football Federation (FFF) until his innocence can be proven in the matter.
This was revealed in a Thursday afternoon press conference by FFF President, Noel Le Graet.
Benzema has been charged with complicity in the attempt to blackmail 31-year-old Lyon player Valbuena. Three men have been detained for the cash demand to have the tape destroyed, Times reported.
Le Graet said: “Today, Karim Benzema is no longer available for selection. It’s a personal decision, I have informed (France’s coach, Didier) Deschamps.”
Le Graet has also confirmed that Benzema’s suspension will stand [at Euro 2016] if he is not cleared of wrong doing in the sex tape scandal.