The French football Federation (FFF) on Friday confirmed that Karim Benzema will not be a part of the Les Bleus’ squad for the Euro 2016 tournament.
The revelation came a day after the Real Madrid forward was served an indefinite ban by the FFF for his alleged involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal.
The 27-year-old denies any wrongdoing but if found guilty, could face a minimum of five years in prison.
“Today, Karim Benzema is no longer available for selection. It’s a personal decision (of mine), I have informed [Coach Didier] Deschamps,” FFF president Noel Le Graet told a press conference.
“Benzema will not be available for selection in March, nor for EURO 2016 if the situation has not evolved.
“The Benzema affair for me hurts, but I am sanctioning him because I am the president of the FFF.
“I would have liked to have had a face to face with him… but the law does not permit me to do so.”
However, the president confirmed that Valbuena is available for selection.
