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Karim Benzema has been suspended by the French Football Federation (FFF) until the verdict of a legal investigation into allegations that he was a part of a blackmail plot against national teammate Mathieu Valbuena, regarding a sex tape of the former Lyon winger. The Real Madrid star has denied all charges and said recently that he hoped to play for the national side again.
Noel Le Grat, the head of the FFF, said last week: “Benzema is not able to be picked and he won’t be in June [at Euro 2016] if the situation does not change. It’s heartbreaking, I must say.”
“We’re all embarrassed, we would have preferred to avoid such an affair. I’m unhappy about it firstly because he is good and because I’m convinced he was caught up in something completely crazy which went over his head.”
Deschamps on the allegations and it’s effects
Didier Deschamps expressed some sympathy towards the 28-year-old striker and added, “Benzema made a mistake, that’s obvious. He did not assess the situation in which he found himself.” Nonetheless, he showed support towards Valbuena and said, “I do not have to defend him because he is accused of nothing” and described him as an important player for France.”
The manager also added that he was bothered about the effects the case has on his side especially when the competition is just six months away, but he also added that the team “will be there fully together.”
Real Madrid extends its support to Benzema
Benzema has the backing of club president Florentino Perez and his teammates at Real Madrid. Former France and Real Madrid star, Zinedine Zidane added, “The best thing for France and the player is for him to avoid a suspension. We're talking about a really important player for our team and I'm only focused on the sporting side of things. I expect that he can solve his personal problems."
Valbuena has already commented that he felt “deeply disappointed” with Benzema’s alleged involvement in the plot. The pair were not called up to the national side for the games against Germany and England last month. Benzema was officially put under investigation on 5 November for the allegations, the player is currently under judicial control and not allowed to have any contact with Valbuena.
