Karim Benzema Suspended from France Squad over Mathieu Valbuena Sex Tape Case
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been suspended from the France national team squad due to his alleged involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena blackmail case.
The president of the French Football Federation (FFF), Noel Le Graet, held a press conference on Thursday confirming the decision has been taken, per Agence France-Presse and ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson:
Benzema has been charged with conspiracy to blackmail Valbuena by French authorities over a sex tape that is said to feature the Lyon midfielder. It’s alleged the Real Madrid striker was involved in a potential extortion scam, having apparently pressured his international team-mate to liaise with the blackmailers.
Valbuena told Le Monde, per Agence France-Presse (h/t the Malaysian Insider), on Nov. 27: "He [Benzema] was not aggressive in his manner of talking, he did not talk about money concretely, directly. But when someone insists that I meet someone...hmmmm."
Benzema had previously claimed he had the support of France manager Didier Deschamps, telling TF1, per Telefoot (h/t Get French Football News): "He is behind me, supporting me."
Reports this week from the Press Association (h/t BT) suggest Benzema’s lawyers have asked for a confrontation hearing between the two footballers. The Los Blancos star has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
As noted by L'Equipe (h/t ESPN), the striker had pleaded with the FFF not to make a decision on whether to suspend him until the investigation had been concluded in full.
For France, who will host next summer’s UEFA European Championships, this disruption comes at the worst possible moment.
Benzema is anticipated to be a key member of Deschamps’ side trying to win the tournament on home soil. Granted, while Benzema is suspended, they can call upon the likes of Olivier Giroud and Anthony Martial, but no French forward adds a variety of attributes to the team quite like the Real Madrid man.
On Tuesday evening, Benzema showed his credentials with a fine hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League against Malmo.
As we can see, his record is remarkable at the highest level of European football, per OptaJean:
Benzema will be hopeful of getting back in the frame for France prior to the European Championships, but regardless of what goes on off the pitch, Deschamps will now have to make plans for this French side without his talismanic forward.
The hosts certainly have the talent to triumph next summer, with a squad bristling with some of the very best young players in world football to chose from. But the dash of ruthlessness in front of goal that Benzema brings is tough to replicate, and the disruption this ruling will potentially bring to the squad is far from ideal for France’s chances.
