Karim Benzema has been charged over his alleged involvement in a sex tape blackmail plot against fellow France international Mathieu Valbuena.
The Real Madrid
star has been charged with "complicity in an attempt to blackmail" and
also conspiring to commit a criminal act. These offences are punishable
by a maximum of five years in jail according to French law.
Benzema, 27, is not allowed to have any contact with Lyon midfielder Valbuena after being charged.
Both men were previously expected to be named in France's squad
for two upcoming friendly matches in the next few days, but coach Didier Deschamps now has an unexpected complication to handle.
Benzema was arrested on Wednesday morning in France and
questioned over the scandal which also saw former France striker Djibril
Cisse taken into custody last month.
[WEDNESDAY: Benzema arrested over Valbuena sex tape blackmail allegations]
Cisse was released after being questioned by police but Benzema
was referred to the investigating judge in the Versailles courthouse
after spending the night in custody.
News agency AFP says Benzema, who plays with Valbuena for the
France national team, emerged from the headquarters of the judicial
police at Versailles at around 9am CET on Thursday.
“Karim Benzema was taken to the courthouse to be brought before a
judge who will decide later on in the procedure," said a public
prosecutor. "The judge will decide at the end of this presentation the
status of Karim Benzema in the procedure, particularly his possible
indictment or his placement under the status of assisted witness."
AFP are reporting that Benzema has recognised that he intervened
in the blackmail affair and now the striker has been formally charged.
What is Benzema's alleged involvement?
A source close to the investigation divulged information to AFP. The source said:
" Karim Benzema has recognised that he intervened with Valbuena at the request of a childhood friend approached by three crooks who had a sex tape in their possession. He said that he agreed with a childhood friend about what he would say in order that his team-mate would negotiate exclusively with him. "
AFP also adds that Benzema said he wanted to help his friend
without thinking that he was doing wrong by Valbuena. Benzema is thought
to have discussed the matter with Valbuena in October when France met
up for matches against Armenia and Denmark.
Karim Benzema - France - Armenia
What does this mean for France?
Didier Deschamps is expected to soon announce his squad for
friendlies against Germany and England on November 13 and 17
respectively. However, Benzema has been prohibited from meeting with the
victim, his team-mate Valbuena. The France squad is expected to gather
at Clairefontaine on Monday.
So eight months before Euro 2016 takes place on French soil, it
appears Les Bleus will be without their star striker for two important
preparatory games. As hosts, France did not play any qualifying matches
so the two matches against Germany and England are key to their
preparation.
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