Темы: UEFA Euro 2016, France, Karim Benzema, Mathieu Valbuena
The striker could miss the 2016 Euro with his country if his legal entanglement with Mathieu Valbuena isn't solved prior to the start of the tournament.

The French Football Federation (FFF) held a press conference today to reveal that Karim Benzema, currently under investigation for allegedly trying to blackmail Les Bleus' team-mate Valbuena, will not be summoned by coach Didier Deschamps until his legal situation is sorted out. With this situation, Real Madrid's striker could miss the 2016 Euro, since legal proceedings are expected to finish after the tournament is played.

The FFF's president, Noël Le Graët, revealed how they decided to make this call.

"Valbuena is not the problem, he is the victim. Benzema is a good kid, but he had a tough time growing up and he wasn't able to leave behind his past. The issue is that Valbuena left his mobile where he shouldn't have, and we decided to sideline Benzema until this matter is solved. This is the Federation's decision and it won't be overturned," Le Graët stated.

Benzema and Valbuena, during a training session with Les Bleus this year.

The FFF's main man also stated that, even though Benzema is a key element in the National Team, his decision was backed up and understood by coach Didier Deschamps.

Once the French Football Federation ended its press conference, Benzema shared his thoughts via Twitter.

"I respect the decision and have confidence in our president Noël Le Graët"

Benzema was handed a restraining order by the French authorities, which prevents him from meeting with Valbuena. The process to find out if the striker is guilty or not could take up to six months, jeopardizing his chances of playing the continental tournament with Les Bleus.