France won't pick Karim Benzema for national team over sex tape probe

Real Madrid striker Benzema has been charged with two counts relating to the alleged blackmail and will not play for France until the police case has been resolved, according to the French Football Federation.

FFF president Noel Le Graet said he had taken a "personal decision" that Benzema would no longer be available for selection and that he had informed coach Didier Deschamps.

Benzema is not technically suspended but with the case continuing, Benzema and Valbuena cannot have any contact. The FFF say that as a result, unless something changes the country cannot pick Benzema over Valbuena, the alleged victim of the plot.

"If there was a match tomorrow, he would not play," said Le Graet. "If the situation is still the same in March (France's next match), he won't play. If the situation is the same in June, he won't play Euro 2016".

The news leaves France in some disarray just months before they are due to host the finals.

"The Benzema affair for me hurts," said Le Graet. "But I am sanctioning him because I am the president of the FFF.

"What can change things? That the case is finally closed, that the two players can become friends again after a meeting."

Le Graet also said Lyon midfielder Valbuena was an "extraordinary player" who "has the full backing of the FFF and total respect from Didier Deschamps."

The football federation became a plaintiff in the case after Valbuena said in an interview with Le Monde that he was disappointed with his team mate.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls said last week that Benzema should not play for France before he is cleared.

Benzema has been in good form recently, scoring five goals in his last two games, including a hat-trick against Malmo in the Champions League on Tuesda

Our Paris bureau reports: "The only chance for Benzema to come back and play for Les Bleus in Euro 2016 is if the case evolves in a favourable way for him. This is Le Graet's hope. But the process is long so it seems unlikely that the case will evolve in the next few months. The chances for Benzema to play in the Euros are weak today."