Benzema suspended from France team over blackmail and sex tape case

The Real Madrid star denies any wrongdoing but if found guilty, he could face a minimum of five years in prison.

"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," French FA president Noel Le Graet said.

”As long as the judicial system has not decided that everything that has been published on Benzema is excessive, the federation will not change its mind.”

Benzema has been banned from contacting anyone linked to the investigation including Lyon forward Valbuena.

He was put under formal investigation by a French judge last month in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail Valbuena over a sex video.

The scandal has been in the public domain since details of the investigation, as well as the transcript of Benzema's hearing with a judge, were leaked by the French media.

The soccer federation became a plaintiff in the case after Valbuena said in an interview with Le Monde that he was disappointed with his team-mate.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls said last week that Benzema should not play for France before he is cleared.

The ban means the 27-year-old could miss next summer’s Euro 2016 tournament, which will be hosted by France.

(dailystar.co.uk)