Some legal restrictions have been lifted off Karim Benzema and he will cleared to play for the French national side again. The French striker, who is currently under investigation for his alleged part in an attempt to blackmail national side team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, could still feature at the 2016 European Championship.
Benzema, who claims he is innocent, was ordered by the court not to come into contact with Valbuena until investigations were over. This meant that both players could not be in the same team. It is understood that an appeals court has partially lifted some restrictions.
Currently on the treatment table with an injury, the Real Madrid star was suspended by the French Football Federation from international duties in December until the end of the court proceedings. The order that was keeping the two French players apart was last month lifted by an investigating judge. An appeal from the prosecutor was dismissed on Friday.
The legal team of the French striker lead by Sylvian Cormier, considers the decision as “a first step”.
Benzema, 28, is charged with conspiracy to blackmail which is again related to extortion over a said sex tape involving Valbuena. He might face a five-year prison sentence if proven guilty of the charges against him. According to reports from France, he mentioned an issue about the sex tape to Valbuena during training on international duty in October, but Benzema claims he was only advising a friend on how to deal with issues during difficult times. He could face charges for complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal conspiracy.
Benzema’s availability will be a huge boost for Deschamps and the whole French side, as he has been in some form in front of goal this season. For football fans it will be great to have him at the Euros.
