Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has been charged over an alleged plot to blackmail his France international teammate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape.
The 27-year-old spent the night in a jail cell after being arrested at a police station in Versailles on Wednesday.
After arriving at the station in the morning, the striker was detained by the authorities in connection to allegations that a group of people tried to extort money from Valbuena, who plays for Lyon, by threatening to leak footage of the footballer having sex with his partner.
According to The AP, Benzema, who denies any wrongdoing, was charged today and ordered not to contact Valbuena, which effectively rules him out of the France national team until the case is resolved.
The Madrid star, who appeared before a judge today, has been charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal group, which is punishable by five years imprisonment if found guilty.
The authorities are investigating whether Benzema played a part in the extortion plot and if he actually tried to blackmail his international teammate.
Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse was questioned by police last month over his alleged participation in the case, and he also denied any involvement.
Danielle Joynson
