Karim Benzema suspended from France team over blackmail inquiry

Karim Benzema has been suspended from the France team until an investigation into his alleged part in a blackmail and sex tape case has been resolved.

The 27-year-old striker could miss Euro 2016, which starts in France in June.

Benzema has been placed under formal investigation by a French judge over an alleged bid to blackmail France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex video.

The Real Madrid forward denies any wrongdoing but if found guilty, could face a minimum of five years in prison.

France Football Federation president Noel le Great, who had previously supported Benzema, said it was a "heart-breaking" decision to suspend him.

But he added: "I have decided that he is not available for selection."

According to French media, Benzema mentioned the tape to Lyon midfielder Valbuena, 31, during a national team training session at Clairefontaine on 5 October.

Benzema, who scored a hat-trick for Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, told police he was advising a friend about what to do in a difficult situation.

But he was handed preliminary charges of complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal conspiracy by the judge in November.

When a suspect is placed under formal investigation, a judge will then determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the suspect to be formally charged.

The case has drawn further interest after phone transcripts of a phone call between Benzema and a friend, Karim Zenati, on 6 October were leaked by French police to Europe 1 radio.

During the conversation, the player describes what happened when he spoke to Valbuena the day before.

Benzema's defence team has already said the leak was "selective" and left out parts that might help prove he is not guilty.