Real Madrid and France star Karim Benzema has been found guilty of complicity in attempted blackmail with regard to the sex tape case involving former Les Bleus teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
The 33-year-old has been handed a 75,000 euro fine alongside a one-year suspended prison sentence, which means that he will not have to serve it so long as he doesn't commit another offence.
It was claimed that the Ballon d'Or nominee put pressure on Valbuena to pay off blackmailers at the time of the incident in June 2015 while the pair were on a training camp with France.
The scandal shook French football to its core and both players lost their places in the squad at the time.
Benzema, however, earned a recall in May after being in red hot form for Real Madrid while Valbuena has not returned to the squad since.
Below, we answer some questions that you might have about what happens next for Benzema.
Can Benzema appeal?
He is able to do so, according to his lawyers, and they announced in the courtroom that they will do so, as they look to make sure that it is made clear that Benzema was not aware of what was going on with Valbuena.
Will Benzema have to go to prison?
No. In France, an individual will not have to go to prison if their sentence is less than two years, so long as they do not commit another offence. The financial fine has been the largest possible, because the judge made the case that Benzema must set an example with his actions as a public.
Will this affect him playing for France?
The French Football Federation (FFF) could take that decision, but Didier Deschamps' decision to recall Benzema ahead of Euro 2020 and his fine form since then indicates that France would not go down this route. "For me, [the trial] doesn't change anything. He is eligible for selection," said Noel Le Graet, the FFF president.
And the Ballon d'Or?
Not at all. Voting for the 2021 Ballon d'Or closed a fortnight ago and Benzema is one of the favourites for the award, along with Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi.
samangillsunny
0
U think things like these are a joke huh
yes . 😂😂😂
Baneklosy
1
benzema will probably score
NAFSCOPYNAFSHALEEMOA
2
Here we go the great strikes big-bez... HALAMADRID
sekdeilpty
0
Hope the Judges will not choose a criminal to win the Balon D Or. it will lose all its prestige
😂😂 that’s your opinion and no one cares about it
fammnpsuyz
0
Finally won something.
tukcdstuy
0
here we go
[image]
U think things like these are a joke huh
Sergioramoshd
0
Banzema net worth is about 70m Matthieu Valbuena is 1-5 m. I can't understand for what he attempted this blackmail.
Wasn’t his intention to blackmail bro
UHtain
4
Banzema net worth is about 70m Matthieu Valbuena is 1-5 m. I can't understand for what he attempted this blackmail.
Zuabcenpsy
0
Hope the Judges will not choose a criminal to win the Balon D Or. it will lose all its prestige
And who said it's a criminal offence?
Zuabcenpsy
1
What a signing for Prison FC! Welcome, Karim Benzema 🇲🇫✍️
[image]
And who's the manager?
Deuces1235
5
Why are people so excited seeing any man “go to jail” lol man this generation is something else 🙈🤦🏽♂️
Yizbclptz
1
here we go
[image]
That is ya wish, and it won't happen[Crylaugh]
samangillsunny
3
here we go
Ticablmp
1
We didn’t even see the sex tape. That would have been more interesting. The black mailers probably released it as valbuena didn’t pay the ransom I guess
Habcilprsy
2
If we can see the sex film we will be in a better position why Ben advised Valbuena to pay the ransom money.
Gurung4madrid
0
Hope the Judges will not choose a criminal to win the Balon D Or. it will lose all its prestige
expected comment from The Expected club fan 👏You deserve ToxicD'Or
viecinopr
1
"For me, [the trial] doesn't change anything. He is eligible for selection," said Noel Le Graet, the FFF president 🤣🤣🤣 this coming from the same guy who crucified Bens before there was a trail and made it possible for him to be kicked out the national team. Now that he’s lighting up the pitch for France, this doesn’t change anything? 🤡What a joke of a president
MumbaRk
0
Just imagine if ur on ordinary citizen with no money.
in France it's not about that thing only happens in Africa, according to the law in France a sentence of less than two years u don't go to prison
29082989(deleted)
1
Hope the Judges will not choose a criminal to win the Balon D Or. it will lose all its prestige
Lmao he barely had a real shot anyway💀😭
Desmondeyum
3
What a signing for Prison FC! Welcome, Karim Benzema 🇲🇫✍️
deobcdipsz
0
Hope the Judges will not choose a criminal to win the Balon D Or. it will lose all its prestige
true YNWA
deobcdipsz
1
Just imagine if ur on ordinary citizen with no money.
you will not be charged they need persons who have huge money
Javimor
1
Hope the Judges will not choose a criminal to win the Balon D Or. it will lose all its prestige
Can’t u read The voting closed long ago
WestHamBro
5
Just imagine if ur on ordinary citizen with no money.
Willhen
5
Hope the Judges will not choose a criminal to win the Balon D Or. it will lose all its prestige
rozanopru
4
Wtf is this real