Karim Benzema could return to French squad after judge lifts restrictions

Benzema had previously not been allowed to contact Mathieu Valbuena

Tom Sheen
Friday 11 March 2016 05:36 EST
Comments
(AFP/ Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is back in contention to be in the France squad for Euro 2016 after a judge lifted restrictions on the 28-year-old.

Benzema had been banned from contacting his international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena after being charged in connection with a plot to blackmail the Lyon midfielder over a sex tape.

Benzema remains under investigation but the Court of Appeal of Versailles has lifted some of the restrictions on the striker - the most important that he is now allowed to contact Valbuena.

The French Football Federation suspended Benzema in December for his involvement in the case, but is yet to release any statement on whether he will be welcomed back into the squad.

Manager Didier Deschamps has previously stated that he would be happy to include Benzema back into the squad, depending on the circumstances.

"As of today, he is still not available so I cannot select him," Deschamps said in February. "It would need my president to decide (he can play) and for the law to give a positive answer as well.

"If I found myself in that situation, I would consider it and make my decision. Things can change. From a sporting point of view, I want to have the best team and therefore the best players. But in this case, there is also a judicial panel. We have to see how things develop."

Benzema may yet have to appear in front of an ethics committee. He has been charged with complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal association planning.

The offence carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in