Euro 2016: the blue horizon Benzema cleared – The World

Le Monde | 02/19/2016 at 6:37 • Updated 02/19/2016 at 9:09 | By Rémi Dupré

Indicted in November 2015 to “blackmail attempt complicity” and ” participation in a criminal association “, Karim Benzema will play there with the team of France in the opening match of Euro 2016 on June 10, in Saint-Denis, against Romania? The question is asked as the investigating judge in the case called “blackmail the sextape” decided Wednesday 17 February, to partially lift the judicial review imposed on the striker of Real Madrid. If he has not the right to get in touch with the other indictees, Merengue striker can again rub the Blues teammate Mathieu Valbuena victim in this case. The prosecution appealed the decision, but this appeal will be examined by the investigating chamber of Versailles appeal court that on March 4.

Whiff of oxygen

This “partial waiver” clearly a breath of fresh air for Karim Benzema (81 caps and 27 goals with the Blues since 2007), sparkling on the land since January and the enthronement as head of Real Madrid compatriot Zinedine Zidane. On 10 December 2015, Christmas Graët, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), indicated that the former Olympique Lyonnais nugget was “ selectable ” with El Tri as’ the situation “did not evolve. ” would have the judge decides that the folder is empty or that Valbuena and again become buddies him after the judge’s decision to confront ” , then stated the leader.

Meanwhile, Mathieu Valbuena said in January on TF1 that he saw “ no problem “to play again with his team-mate. Aware of sports weight Karim Benzema for France, Christmas Graët might well be tempted to arrange a meeting between the two players to seal reconciliation before March 4. The partial lifting of the judicial review of the Real Madrid striker comes as Didier Deschamps announce on March 17, his 23 Tri summoned for friendly matches scheduled against the Netherlands on 25 March, and against Russia four days later. Can the coach be tempted to retain the tandem, within three months of the European Championship?

While Mathieu Valbuena string of poor performances with Olympique Lyon this season, Didier Deschamps could very choose not to convene Karim Benzema, third top scorer in the Spanish league (with 19 goals). Anxious to defend the image of his team, the technician he will retain a player indicted for Euro 2016, organized in France? “ France can not afford to do without a player like Benzema , said Zinédine Zidane in January. Between 2010 and 2014, the attacker had he not played in selection while being indicted in connection with the case Zahia? He had finally been cleared.