Karim Benzema Charged in Sex Tape Case

Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema was charged with conspiracy to blackmail and participating in a criminal group as part of an investigation over a sex tape involving teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema was charged after being brought before a judge at the Versailles court follwing a night spent in custody, the prosecutor’s office said.

The Real Madrid striker, who was been freed pending further investigation , faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. Benzema was also placed under judicial supervision, meaning he cannot meet with the victim or other people charged in the case.

Investegators are trying to find out if the Real Madrid forward played a role in the extortion attempt targeting Valbuena and if he actually tried to blackmail the Lyon midfielder.

Both Benzema and Valbuena play for France’s national team. But due to the case , France coah Didier Deschamps won’t be able to use both at the same time while investigation goes on.

Benzema and Valbuena are key players of France’s national team, Benzema’s judicial issues could also have an impact on France’s performance at the next year’s European Championship, which France will host.