Karim Benzema charged in blackmail scandal

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail French teammate Mathieu Valbuena and participation in a criminal conspiracy, reports Agence France-Presse.

The blackmail case centers on an attempt to use a sex tape against Valbuena.

If Benzema's found guilty, he could face at least five years in prison.

Shortly after arriving at the police station in Versailles on Wednesday morning, the 27-year-old confessed to his involvement in the conspiracy to blackmail Valbuena using a sex tape featuring the Lyon midfielder in exchange for money.

Benzema was subsequently placed under judicial supervision, prohibiting him from making contact with those involved in the investigation.

The French international's lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, declared his client is innocent of the charges, while Benzema suggests he is also a victim who was trying to help his friend.

Benzema mentioned the tape to Valbuena during a training session with the French national team, according to media outlets in France, but the nature of the conversation is unclear.

A source for the Agence France-Presse outlined Benzema's alleged involvement in the matter:

"Karim Benzema has recognised that he intervened with Valbuena at the request of a childhood friend approached by three crooks who had a sex tape in their possession. He said that he agreed with a childhood friend about what he would say in order that his teammate would negotiate exclusively with him."

Both players have since been dropped from the national team as France prepares to play Germany and England.