Karim Benzema from Real Madrid has been given a one-year suspended prison term, but he will be available for selection by France. According to French Football Federation (FFF) head Noel Le Graet, Karim Benzema will not be barred from representing France in spite of receiving a one-year suspended prison term on Wednesday.
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema was fined €75,000 after being found guilty of involvement in the attempted blackmail of former Les Blues teammate Mathieu Valbuena. Benzema intends to fight the ruling, despite the fact that he has always disputed the claims and was not present in court in Versailles when the verdict was handed down.
The 33-year-old will continue to remain available for Les Blues when the national football team reconvenes for their next batch of fixtures in March 2022. “I don’t know what Karim and his lawyers will decide, but as far as the Federation is concerned, there is no change,” La Graet said, as quoted by L’Equipe.
“He remains selectable while regretting this unfortunate record. He did not play for several years with the France team. This sanction does not change anything for me. He is selectable. Even if he does not appeal, for me, that does not change anything. He has the right to work.” Benzema is part of Real Madrid’s squad for Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Sheriff.
