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Karim Benzema challenged the fairness of the investigation in the case of blackmail to Mathieu Valbuena sextape in 2015. The Court of Cassation dismissed his appeal on Monday 9 December. The way for a possible correctional trial for the Real Madrid striker is now possible.
The Court of Cassation rejected on Monday, December 9 the appeal of footballer Karim Benzema, who challenged the fairness of the investigation in the case of blackmail to the sextape of Mathieu Valbuena in 2015 . The Court found that the investigative methods used in this case were consistent, paving the way for a possible correctional trial for the Real Madrid striker and five other indicted persons.
The Real Madrid striker's lawyers, indicted for "complicity in attempting blackmail" on his former team-mate in France, spoke of abusive stratagems on the part of the investigation. For Karim Benzema, this was the last attempt to cancel the procedure. The highest court, sitting in a plenary session, considers that there was no " breach of fairness ".
" Obviously, it's a disappointment "
In July 2017, she had, on the contrary, given reason to the star Madrid, but the Court of Appeal of Paris, appointed to rule again, had not followed and the player had then again provided cassation . The file will therefore leave on the office of the investigating judge.
" Obviously, it's a disappointment, " responded to the AFP lawyer Karim Benzema, Patrice Spinosi. " There is something schizophrenic about the Court of Cassation saying the opposite of what it said two years ago. However, Karim Benzema has never feared having to face his judges before which they will explain his lack of involvement in this case, if he is sent to court, "he added.
On the contrary, Frédéric Thiriez, who defends the interests of Mathieu Valbuena, said he was " very satisfied ". " This plenary decision goes well beyond this particular case of sextape," he adds. It allows, in the interest of the victims, the judicial police to use their investigative techniques to search for and challenge the alleged perpetrators of crimes or offenses ".
The conflict with Noël Le Graët
Since this case, Karim Benzema (81 caps) has never been called by Didier Deschamps. Noël Le Graët, president of the French Football Federation, relaunched the debate on Karim Benzema and the Team of France by indicating a few weeks ago that the adventure of the Madrilenian at the Blues was over. " Karim Benzema is a very good player, I have never doubted his qualities. On the contrary, he shows Real Madrid that he is one of the best players in his job. But the adventure in France team is over, "he told RMC Sport.
" Christmas, I thought you were not interfering in the coach's decisions! Know that it's me and me alone that would put an end to my international career , "Benzema wrote in a tweet. The president of the FFF had explained late 2015 that Benzema was no longer selectable team of France, as long as the judicial file was not decided.
Benzema surpassed legend Alfredo Di Stéfano in the number of goals scored in the Champions League for the merengue club. At Real Madrid for 10 years, Karim Benzema is today the top scorer. For Real Madrid coach Zinédine Zidane, Karim Benzema " has his place in the French team ".
" It's a sporting choice, no point! Didier Deschamps said last October.