Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is currently in the custody of French police after he was reportedly called in for questioning in conjunction with a case involving a sex tape and an alleged plot to blackmail a fellow French international, AFP Sport reports.
The 27-year-old Bezema was "summoned to the police station at Versailles" early Wednesday morning and was subsequently detained, according to The Guardian. Benzema's lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, told Le Parisien that his client was "ready to answer" any and all questions detectives may have.
The case centers around and alleged cellphone video of a sex tape, allegedly use to blackmail an international midfielder, identified by ESPN FC as Mathieu Valbuena.
"L'Equipe said investigators wanted to establish whether a conversation between Benzema and the player during a meeting of the French national team at the beginning of October was simply friendly advice or part of the plot," The Guardian reports.
Three suspects, said to be part of the entourage of several football players, have been charged since Oct. The investigation into the incident was opened in late July.
Former France and Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has already been interviewed and released as part of the investigation. Cisse, shortly after proclaiming his innocence, announced his retirement from the game.
Benzema's name came up in conjunction with the investigation after he reportedly mentioned the sex tape during a French national team gathering at Clairefontaine. Cormier said that his client is willing to cooperate fully.
"It was therefore completely normal that he should respond to the summons. In fact, he would like to put an end to the controversy sparked by this affair in which he has played no part, as soon as possible," Cormier said.
