Karim Benzema found guilty of blackmailing former teammate in sex tape case

France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been given a one year suspended jail sentence and €75,000 fine in a sex tape case that rocked French football.

Benzema was found guilty of being involved in an attempt in 2015 to blackmail France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

The Versailles court decision is unlikely to affect Benzema's immediate sporting future.

The forward is regarded as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award on November 29th in Paris following an impressive season with Madrid.

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French federation president Noel Le Graet has already said Benzema would be allowed to keep playing with France even if found guilty.

Benzema’s lawyers said he will appeal.

Benzema, who denied any wrongdoing, did not attend the trial in Versailles last month and was absent for the verdict.

The four other defendants were also found guilty and did not appear at the court.