Official: Karim Benzema suspended by France national team following sex tape scandal

The French Football Federation have confirmed on Thursday that star striker Karim Benzema is suspended indefinitely from representing his nation.

The Real Madrid forward has been indicted in the Mathieu Valbuena sex-tape blackmail affair and following reports in French newspaper L'Equipe that he would be banned from the French national team, it has now been confirmed by the FFF. The governing body's President, Noël Le Graët, also confirmed that Benzema would miss Euro 2016 - hosted by France - unless the case was resolved and the player acquitted of any wrong doing in time for the tournament. "Karim Benzema can't be selectable for the French national team until the case is resolved. I want justice," stated Le Graët. He also called the decision "heartbreaking". Benzema’s lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, insists the player is innocent, stressing: "He took no part, I state this again - no part - in the blackmail or blackmail attempts."