Sports Briefs
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THE French Football Federation, FFF, has confirmed that Karim Benzema, French and Real Madrid striker, will not be part of the France squad at Euro 2016. Didier Deschamps, France coach and Noel Le Graet, FFF President, met to discuss the future of the Real Madrid striker on Wednesday, April 13. Last month, Le Graet said a decision on Benzema’s future with France would be made by April 15.
In its statement on Wednesday, the FFF noted that the evidence currently available did not establish the exact involvement of the accused, including Benzema, and that another court date would be required to do so. It also confirmed that this would not prevent Benzema from being made available for selection.
“In light of this evidence, and the partial lifting of the judicial supervision of Mr Benzema, which newly makes possible his call up to the French team, there is no legal obstacle in the case that he might be selected,” the statement read.
It added, however, that during his meeting with Deschamps, Le Graet had said that sporting performance is an important criteria but not exclusive for deciding who would be on the roster. “The ability of players to work towards unity, within and around the squad, exemplarity and the preservation of the squad are also taken into account. As a result, Noel Le Graet and Didier Deschamps have decided that Karim Benzema will not be able to take part in Euro 2016.”
Benzema, 28, was suspended indefinitely from the national team after being charged with conspiracy to blackmail as part of an alleged attempt to extort funds from his international teammate Mathieu Valbuena. He is accused of accepting a request from a childhood friend to act as an intermediary between the blackmailers and Valbuena, but he denies any wrongdoing.
The FFF confirmation came as the Real Madrid striker wrote on Twitter: “Unfortunately for me and for all those who have always supported me. I will not be selected for our Euro in France…”
— Apr 25, 2016 @ 01:00 GMT
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