The scandalous tape causes an amount to be withdrawn from Benzema's account
An amount of 230 thousand euros was withdrawn from the account of the French international Karim Benzema, to be paid to his compatriot Mathieu Valbuena, based on the decision issued by the Versailles Court last November related to the “indecent tape” case, according to what Agence France-Presse learned Thursday from a source close to the file. A fine, damages and legal costs to compensate Valbuena, plus a one-year suspended prison sentence.
The Versailles court said at the time that "Benzema was personally involved in tricks and lies to persuade his colleague to submit to blackmail," adding that the veteran player showed "no goodwill towards Valbuena".
The Real Madrid striker's lawyers have appealed the decision, which was issued in the year that saw a wonderful return to the French national team after being excluded from the world champions since 2015 due to this case.
Benzema scored nine goals since he was called up to participate in the European Cup last summer, when the "roosters" came out surprisingly against Switzerland in the final price before they won the European Nations League title.
Valbuena's lawyers turned to the bailiffs to recover the money from Benzema for failing to pay it voluntarily.
A source close to the case said the player's account had been partially frozen since Friday. Benzema's lawyers want to keep the money in his account until his appeal is heard.
"This is the logical consequence of the prompt payment decision," Valbuena's lawyer, Paul-Albert Ewens, said. "We requested an amicable payment agreement, which was never reached."
Benzema was accused of encouraging Valbuena to pay a sum of money to the blackmailers who threatened to reveal an indecent video of the latter, and he admitted his interference in the matter at the request of one of the blackmailers.
Benzema has long denied the allegations, saying he tried to help Valbuena out of the situation, not to entrap him.
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