Karim Benzema suspended indefinitely from France squad over sex-tape scandal

The French Football Federation has banned Karim Benzema from the France national team indefinitely due to his alleged involvement in a sex-tape scandal.

The Real Madrid striker is under investigation by the police over an alleged plot to blackmail his France teammate Mathieu Valbuena with footage of the footballer having sex with his partner.

Benzema has told police that he approached Valbuena about the tape on behalf of a "childhood friend", but has denied any wrongdoing.

Today, FFF president Noel Le Graet released a statement claiming that he has made a "heartbreaking" decision to suspend Benzema from the France squad until the investigation is closed, which means that the striker could miss next summer's European Championships.

In November, Benzema was charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal group, which carries a five-year prison sentence.

The charge means that Benzema cannot be in contact with Valbuena while the investigation is ongoing.