Karim Benzema can’t flop his way out of this one.
The Real Madrid and France star was held in custody and questioned by authorities for his alleged involvement in a blackmail plot over a sex tape involving a former teammate.
Benzema was placed in custody after being summoned on Wednesday morning to the police station in Versailles, a city located on the western edge of Paris. The case involves the blackmailing of Mathieu Valbuena, a French midfielder who plays for Ligue 1 side Lyon.
It is believed investigators are interested in a conversation between Benzema and Valbuena during a stint with the French national team. That evidence involves “friendly advice or part of the plot,” according to The Guardian.
French news agency AFP claims the sex tape was recorded with a cellphone.
An investigation was opened in July into whether Valbuena fell victim to a possible extortion attempt. According to reports, the 31-year-old was asked for money in order for the tape to not be released.
In October, former France international Djibril Cissé was taken into custody and questioned for his involvement in the same case. Cissé pleaded his innocence, explaining he’s a friend of Valbuena’s, and was eventually released by French authorities. Cissé and Valbuena were teammates at Marseille for two seasons.
Benzema, 27, who features regularly in the starting 11 for Real Madrid, missed Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Paris St. Germain with an apparent injury. He’s tallied six goals in six appearances this season for the La Liga giants.
With AP
