Madrid forward Benzema absent for blackmail trial in France

VERSAILLES, France (AP) — Actual Madrid forward Karim Benzema wasn’t level to Wednesday for the hole of his three-day trial for involvement in an alleged strive to blackmail archaic France teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.

The 33-year-feeble Benzema’s correct crew told the court docket in Versailles that reliable obligations made it “very unlikely” for him to help. Valbuena’s attorney mentioned he deplored the absence.

Benzema played for Madrid in Kyiv on Tuesday against Shakhtar Donetsk within the Champions League. Madrid plays all every other time Sunday against Barcelona within the Spanish league.

Four diversified other folks accused of tried blackmail within the case were level to in court docket. Benzema is on trial for complicity in tried blackmail.

The costs are punishable by as a lot as 5 years in detention heart and a 75,000 euro ($87,400) magnificent. Benzema has denied wrongdoing.

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