France striker Karim Benzema was charged on Thursday with conspiracy to blackmail and participating in a criminal group as part of an investigation over a sex tape involving teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema was handed preliminary charges after being brought before a judge at the Versailles court following a night spent in custody, the prosecutor's office said. The Real Madrid forward, who has been freed pending further investigation, faces a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Benzema was also placed under judicial supervision, meaning he cannot meet with the victim or other people charged in the case.
Investigators are trying to find out if the Karim forward played a role in the extortion attempt targeting Valbuena, and if he actually tried to blackmail Valbuena.
Both Benzema and Valbuena play for France. But because of the case, France coach Didier Deschamps won't be able to use both players at the same time while the investigation goes on.
Deschamps left both players out of his squad for upcoming friendly games against Germany and England. Benzema is currently sidelined with an injury but Valbuena's omission was not expected. Deschamps said the lyon midfielder isn't in an emotional state to play.
Three other people have been handed preliminary charges over the case since October. The investigation started this year when Valbuena decided to take legal action after being contacted by a man claiming to be in possession of an incriminating sex tape. Benzema's involvement has yet to be determined but investigators believe he was approached by a childhood friend to act as an intermediary between the blackmailers and Valbuena.