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The French football federation (FFF) president, Noël Le Graët has officially confirmed that striker Karim Benzema will not be part of the France’s Euro 2016 squad.
An alleged blackmail attempt
The Real Madrid striker was suspended from the French team since November 2015 because of his alleged involvement in a blackmail attempt against his France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a controversial video showing Valbuena and his partner. Benzema, whose legal restrictions were lifted after being investigated by the police, was hoping to be readmitted in the French team. He posted a video on his Facebook page with the following caption:
“Whatever happens… Once a Blue, always a Blue!”
A big disappointment
France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, and Le Graët had a closed-door meeting to discuss Benzema’s situation. The FFF later issued a statement:
“[The head coach] Didier Deschamps and [president] Noël Le Graët met to discuss the situation of M. Benzema. The president of the federation and the coach would agree that athletic performance is an important but not exclusive criterion for selecting the France national team. The ability of players to work towards unity, in and around the group, are also taken into account. As a result, Noël Le Graët and Didier Deschamps decided that Karim Benzema will not participate in Euro 2016.”
Benzema shared his disappointment on social media:
“Unfortunately for me and for all those who have always supported me. I am not selected for our Euro in France …”
Valbuena was also left out from the team. Benzema has scored 25 goals in 29 games for Real Madrid this season. He has also netted 27 goals in 81 caps for France.
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