French Prime Minster Manuel Valls Says Karim Benzema Has no Place on National Team
Paris: French Prime Minister Manuel Valls joined in the criticism of Karim Benzema on Tuesday, saying the Real Madrid striker "has no place" on the France team at the European Championship in the wake of a blackmail scandal. ( Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema Charged in Sex Tape Extortion Case ) Benzema is one of France's key players as they get ready to host the Euro 2016 tournament, but the forward faces charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape. ( Security Top Priority at Euro 2016: Organising Chief ) He is suspected of having played an active role in pressuring France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, a case that has badly damaged his reputation. ( French Footballer Mathieu Valbuena Raps Karim Benzema Over Sex-Tape Blackmail ) "A great athlete should be exemplary," the French Prime Minister told French radio Europe 1. "If he is not, he has no place within the France team." The investigation, cent...