The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced its position on the Mathieu Valbuena blackmailing scandal and has decided to suspend Karim Benzema from international duty. The Real Madrid striker, who currently stands accused of being involved in extorting Valbuena using a sex tape, could now miss out on a place at Euro 2016.
Depending on the length and outcome of the legal proceedings, he might not be called up for the tournament.
FFF president, Noël Le Graët, said that, “Valbuena is the victim, not the problem. Benzema is a good lad, but he doesn’t always come across well. He was born in a tough neighbourhood and still has the same circle of friends. Valbuena’s problem is that he left his phone where he shouldn’t have. We decided to drop Benzema. It was the Federation’s decision. We can’t call him up under the circumstances”.
Deschamps “accepted” the decision
Le Graët also said that Didier Deschamps had reluctantly agreed to the measure. “Deschamps has accepted the FFF’s decision”, he concluded.
