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| Karim Benzema has been suspended by France and could miss Euro 2016 |
KARIM BENZEMA is in danger of missing Euro 2016 after he was suspended by France due to his involvement in an ongoing blackmail case.
The Real Madrid striker, 27, has been told he will have to wait until the investigation has been resolved before coming back into the fold.
Benzema, who has been charged with conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, denies any wrongdoing.
But with next summer's finals starting on June 10, Benzema's involvement is far from certain.
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| French Football Federation president Noel le Graet admits he it was a 'heart-breaking' decision |
France Football Federation president Noel le Graet, who had previously supported Benzema, said it was a "heart-breaking" decision to suspend him.
He said: "I have decided that he is not available for selection. I leave a glimmer of hope if the case changes.
"My wish is that this case diminishes and that these two France players can shake hands.
"We're in an embarrassing situation concerning a case we'd rather avoid. Giving out suspensions has never been my cup of tea."
The exile comes with Benzema in peak form having scored five goals in his past two games for the Spanish side.
Benzema, who has 27 international goals, also missed the 2010 World Cup.
Former coach Raymond Domenech excluded him in the wake of another scandal, when Benzema and team-mate Franck Ribery were handed preliminary charges for soliciting an underage prostitute.
Both were later acquitted.
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