Karim Benzema could face trial for involvement in Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema could face trial over his alleged involvement in blackmailing former France teammate Matthieu Valbuena over sex tape scandal. incident occurred in 2015 where Karim Benzema was charged by authorities in France for trying to extort Valbuena. Five years after scandal, French prosecutors are reportedly requesting  Real Madrid striker be put under trial for 'aiding and abetting a blackmail attempt'. 

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Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal: Benzema to be tried in French court?

scandal was reported just months before France hosted Euro 2016. Karim Benzema is accused of encouraging Matthieu Valbuena to pay blackmailers who threatened to release sex tape to public. According to French outlet RMC Sport, prosecutors from Versailles want Benzema and four ors who were involved in scandal tried on charges of involvement in attempted blackmail. 

Former France international Djibril Cisse is t mentioned in report despite Cisse also alleged to have been involved in scandal. report states Cisse "has been let off" because he was made to submit his phone to a Versailles judge in 2017 for analysis and investigation. 

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After  Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal was reported by media, Valbuena told Le Monde that Benzema tried to urge him to pay  blackmailers, although he never directly spoke about money. "He was inciting me. He was saying, indirectly: 'You will have to pay'," Valbuena said during  interview, as quoted by Guardian. However, charges were outright dismissed by Karim Benzema's lawyer, Sylvain Cormier. Cormier maintained that striker has thing to do with scandal and had part in blackmail or attempted blackmail. 

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Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal: Why is Benzema banned from France national side?

scandal unfolded just before Euro 2016. In wake of scandal, France coach Didier Deschamps opted against selecting Karim Benzema for tournament. Benzema has t played for France since 2015. Benzema has featured 81 times for France and has netted 27 goals in those appearances.  scandal also severed relationship between Benzema and Valbuena, who w plays for Greek club Olympiacos.

While his France career ended prematurely, former Lyon striker has continued to lead line for Spanish giants Real Madrid. w in his 11th season for Los Blancos, Benzema has been in good form for Zinedine Zidane's men in 2019-20 season. He has played 42 games in all competitions scoring 22 times. 

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(Im Credits: AP)