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French Football leader: Benzema could return after blackmail case

Real Betis Balompie v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

SEVILLE, SPAIN - JANUARY 24: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF reacts as he fail to score during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on January 24, 2016 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

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Karim Benzema has been anything but gracious when it comes to his suspension from the French national team, claiming racism and not his role in the blackmailing of a teammate was why he was kept from EURO 2016.

That said the 28-year-old will see the door to the team re-opened once his court case is over, according to French Football Federation president Noel Graet.

[ MORE: World Cup qualifying roundup ]

Benzema has been suspended from the national team because of his involvement in an extortion scam over a sex tape involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

He’s scored 27 goals in 81 caps for France, in addition to the 161 club goals Benzema has nabbed between Real Madrid and Lyon.

From The Sun:

“I am against lifetime punishments. Benzema needs to go through the courts, we won’t take a risk, whatever it might be.”

“He already missed the Euros, that’s something.

“The problem hasn’t been raised for the moment, but he’s available for selection. The day when justice will be done, only then will Didier decide whether to integrate him or not.”


That is something. No date has been set for his court case. Prison is something that could stop him from rejoining the team, though!

Follow @NicholasMendola