Benzema charged with conspiracy to blackmail in Valbuena case

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been charged with conspiracy to blackmail in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape case.

The French international has also been placed under judicial supervision, which means he is prohibited from meeting with Lyon midfielder Valbuena or any other people charged in the case.

If found guilty, he could face a maximum prison sentence of guilty. Benzema’s defence lawyer Sylvain Cormier confirmed the news on Thursday, but protested the footballer’s innocence.

"Karim Benzema will show his good faith in this affair - as soon as possible, I hope," Cormier announced.

"He did not participate in anything he is accused of, no blackmail or extortion. This thing doesn't make any sense.

"He has been accused and charged by the prosecution. This is not proof of culpability; it's only the beginning of the affair."