Karim Benezema’s alleged role in a sextape blackmail scandal has just cost him his place in the France national team.
The Real Madrid striker is under investigation for his alleged role in a plot to try and blackmail fellow France international Mathieu Valbuena over a sextape during the summer.
The striker has denied any involvement in the case, but this afternoon the French football authorities took the unusual step of banning him for selection for the national side.
Noel Le Graet, the head of the French FA, has just announced that he took the decision to suspend Karim Benzema from the national team.
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) December 10, 2015
Le Graet took the decision after the revelations over Benzema's alleged involvement in the Valbuena sextape blackmail story.
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) December 10, 2015
Le Graet told Didier Deschamps who accepted the decision (had no choice really!). Benzema won't go to the Euros unless the situation changes
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) December 10, 2015
There is no time limit specified as of yet to the ban, but with the investigation still ongoing, it would seem that Benzema, who scored a hat-trick in Tuesday’s 8-0 win over Malmo in the Champion League, is all but ruled out of Euro 2016.
France’s striking options are not exactly plentiful with Oliver Giroud the only other recognised striker in the frame to start next summer’s championships.
Anthony Martial and Loic Remy may also be options for Didier Deschamps to replace the 27-year-old.
