Share

Bezema: French coach 'supports me'

Paris - Karim Benzema claims he retains the support of France coach Didier Deschamps despite being charged for his alleged participation in a blackmail case involving international teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex-tape.

"I have had a message from him. He supports me, of course," said Benzema of Deschamps in an interview broadcast by French television station TF1 on Sunday.

Real Madrid star Benzema was not called up for last month's friendly matches against Germany and England, officially due to injury.

However, the games came just after he was charged with complicity to blackmail and conspiring to commit a criminal act in relation to the sex tape and told that he was not allowed to contact Valbuena.

Lyon midfielder Valbuena was also left out of the most recent France squad, with Deschamps claiming that decision was made to "protect" the player.

Benzema risks up to five years in prison and his future as part of the France team looks to be in serious doubt ahead of Euro 2016, although he remains hopeful of being able to return to contention in time.

"There are also players in the national team who support me," said Benzema, who is France's leading current international with 27 goals from 81 caps.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has requested to become a civil party in the investigation in order to have access to the case files.

FFF president Noel Le Graet will give a press conference on Thursday, two days before the Euro 2016 draw, in which he is expected to discuss Benzema's international future.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE