Paris: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been suspended indefinitely from the France team because of the blackmail case he is embroiled in, the president of the national soccer federation (FFF) said yesterday.
Benzema was put under formal investigation by a French judge last month in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail international team mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex video.
“I have decided, it’s a decision from the president of the French federation and not from the executive committee or the ethics committee, that Karim Benzema cannot play for France until the situation evolves,” Noel Le Graet told a news conference.
Le Graet was not specific but his ruling could mean the 27-year-old, who has scored 27 goals in 81 appearances for his country, cannot be called up by the national team until he is convicted or cleared of the alleged offence.
Similar cases in France have dragged on for months and there is no guarantee this investigation will be completed before the country hosts Euro 2016 in June.
Benzema, who has denied wrongdoing, said on Twitter later yesterday that he respected the decision and had confidence in Le Graet. Real said they “regretted and respected” the FFF’s action in a statement on the club website (www.realmadrid.com).
Benzema has been banned from contacting anyone linked to the investigation including Olympique Lyonnais forward Valbuena.
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