Benzema faces charge in Valbuena sex tape case in France

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been placed under formal investigation in connection with a sex tape blackmail plot involving another player.

The French Footballer appeared before a judge in Versailles after being held in police custody overnight. Police are investigating what part he played in an alleged attempt to extort money from fellow French international Mathieu Valbuena.

According to an AFP news agency source, Karim had admitted involvement.

The 27-year-old star told investigators he had approached Mr Valbuena about the tape on behalf of "a childhood friend," the report said. French media reported that Mr Benzema mentioned the tape to the midfielder during a national team training session at Clairefontaine in early October, ahead of matches against Armenia and Denmark.

It was unclear whether he was offering friendly advice or trying to press his team-mate to pay the blackmailers.

Karim Benzema reportedly had a conversation with Mathieu Valbuena (L) during a training session last month

The prosecutor's office has confirmed that Benzema is now under formal investigation for complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal conspiracy.

When a suspect is placed under formal investigation, he or she is then examined by a judge, who determines whether there is sufficient evidence for the suspect to be charged.

If formal charges do follow and he is convicted, Mr Benzema could face a minimum jail sentence of five years, the prosecutor said.

Meanwhile the court has banned the striker from contacting his France team-mate, or any other people charged in the case.

BBC report say the ruling exposes the footballer to a lengthy period of doubt ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament that France hosts next year.

France coach Didier Deschamps is due to name his squad on Thursday for matches against Germany and England, an announcement that will be closely watched to see if Mr Benzema is omitted.