The French Football Federation (FFF) have confirmed they have suspended striker Karim Benzema from national team selection over his sex-tape charge.
Benzema, 27, is currently embroiled in a case of blackmail over a sex-tape belonging to teammate Mathieu Valbuena and has since been charged with his involvement.
The president of the FFF, Noel Le Graet, has now confirmed he has told France head coach Didier Deschamps he will no longer be able to pick the Real Madrid striker and he will miss the European Championships next summer unless the case evolves.
“Today, Karim Benzema is no longer available for selection. It’s a personal decision [of mine], I have informed Deschamps,” Le Graet announced at a press conference.
“Benzema will not be available for selection in March, nor for Euro 2016 if the situation has not evolved.
“The Benzema affair for me hurts, but I am sanctioning him because I am the President of the FFF.
“I would have liked to have had a face to face with him… but the law does not permit me to do so.”
Benzema’s off-field distractions have seemingly not proved problematic for the striker’s form. In fact, he is currently enjoying his most prolific campaign over the last seven minutes, proving a decisive moment every 73.25 minutes in league and Champions League football combined.
For more stats on Karim Benzema, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
