Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will stand trial for his alleged involvement in blackmailing Matthieu Valbuena.
Almost six years after the case was brought to light, it has been confirmed that Karim Benzema will have to go to trial on the charge of conspiracy to attempt blackmail. The former French international was accused back in 2015 of attempting to pressure Matthieu Valbuena to pay his blackmailers. In fact, the 36-year-old was bribed by one of Benzema’s childhood friends as the blackmailer allegedly obtained intimate footage of Valbuena and his wife.
The footballer was also briefly detained by the police just before France hosted the 2016 European Championship. Moreover, Karim has been sidelined from his national team since October 2015. Despite this, the French player scored 27 goals in 81 caps for his country.
This Thursday, the Versailles Court stated that the Real Madrid striker will have to face his charges. Although it is still unclear when the process will take place, Benzema can face up to five years in prison if he is found guilty.
Sylvain Cormier, Karim Benzema’s lawyer, also believes there was no wrongdoing on his client’s part. “The decision to take him to trial is an absurd and unjust form of cruelty,” said the attorney.
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