Karim Benzema ruled out of Euro 2016

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has revealed that he will not be selected by France for this summer’s European Championship.

The France striker said on Twitter on Wednesday: “Unfortunately for me and all those who have always supported me, I will not be selected for the Euros in France.”

Malheureusement pour moi et pour tous ceux qui m'ont toujours soutenu et supporté. Je ne serai pas sélectionné pour notre Euro en France…

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) April 13, 2016

Later, the French Football Federation confirmed the decision in a statement. The FFF said that there was no legal obstacle to Benzema playing, but added that a player’s ability to play in unison with the rest of the team and to be a good example were also factors to be taken into account in the decision of who can play in the championship.

Benzema, suspended indefinitely since last December, is facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema has scored 27 goals for France in 81 appearances for the senior national side since making his debut in 2007, including Euro 2008, Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.