Karim Benzema Involved in Sex Tape Case, Detained by Police

French footballer Karim Benzema has been placed under formal investigation in connection with a sex tape blackmail plot involving Mathieu Valbuena.

Some few months back, former Liverpool Player Djbril Cisse was also questioned.

The Real Madrid striker appeared before a judge in Versailles after being held in custody overnight.

Benzema and Valbuena reportedly had an exchange during a training session when on international break some months back.

Benzema had mentioned the tape to Valbuena  during a national team training session at Clairefontaine in early October. France coach Didier Deschamps did not call both players as they were left out of his squad selected on Thursday for matches against Germany and England later in November.

The prosecutor's office earlier confirmed that Mr Benzema was now under formal investigation for complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal conspiracy.

When a suspect is placed under formal investigation, he or she is then examined by a judge, who determines whether there is sufficient evidence for the suspect to be charged. If formal charges do follow and he is convicted, Mr Benzema could face a minimum jail sentence of five years, the prosecutor said.

Meanwhile the court has banned the striker from contacting his France team-mate, or any other people charged in the case.

Sylvain Cormier, Benzema's lawyer spoke to reporters after the ruling,  said his client,"Karim Benzema has nothing to hide," and was adamant that Benzema was not guilty of the charges.

Deschamps refused to comment as he said he left Benzema out of the squad because he had been injured and that Lyon midfielder Valbuena was not in an emotional state to play in upcoming games against Germany and England.

It is not the first time Mr Benzema has been involved in a police case. Last year, he and Ribery were cleared of accusations after they were accused that they had slept with an under-age prostitute.