Benzema probed in Valbuena case

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is being investigated by French authorities in connection with a sex tape involving France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema was taken into police custody in Paris on Wednesday and detained overnight before appearing in front of a judge at the Versailles court on Thursday morning.

Investigators are trying to establish whether the 27-year-old played a part in the conspiracy to blackmail Valbuena and if he participated in a criminal group - crimes which carry a five-year prison sentence.

A source told AFP news agency that Benzema admitted his involvement in the matter, with his name having emerged during phone taps after the inquiry was opened in July, according to police.

The Les Bleus ace has also been placed under judicial supervision, which prohibits him from meeting with the victim or others charged in the case.

"Karim Benzema will show his good faith in this matter as soon as possible," Benzema's lawyer, Sylvain Cormier said.

"He was charged by the judge who notified him that he was a suspect ... It is not a declaration of guilt."