Benzema under formal investigation for alleged sex-tape blackmail plot

The striker's lawyer says he offered 'judicious advice' and was not blackmailing anyone. Credit: Reuters

French football star Karim Benzema is being formally investigated following an alleged attempt to blackmail fellow-French international footballer Mathieu Valbuena with the use of a sex video.

The Real Madrid striker was arrested on Wednesday and spent the night in custody. French prosecutors now say their inquiry covers offences that would carry a five year prison sentence and a fine of €75,000 (£53,000).

Sources close to the inquiry say the affair is over phone-recorded sex footage that could prove embarrassing for Valbuena with Benzema's name coming up during phone taps in relation to the inquiry. It is being treated as an extortion case.

The court has also banned Benzema from contacting Valbuena, or anyone else connected with the case.

Bemzema's lawyer, Sylvain Cormier insists he tried to offer Valbuena a bit of friendly "judicious advice" adding "he played no part, I repeat no part, in any blackmail or attempted blackmail."

Lawyer Sylvain Cormier insists on Benzema's innocence outside the court today. Credit: Reuters

The announcement by the French public prosecutor raises doubts over whether Benzema can take part in Euro 2016 which is being hosted in France.

France coach Didier Deschamps, who has left both players out of the squad for a series of upcoming friendlies, refused to be drawn into the allegations.

"I suppose you have a lot of questions not related to football, I will not answer them," he told reporters.