Mathieu Valbuena speaks out on sex-tape blackmail

Mathieu Valbuena has spoken out for the first time against France teammate Karim Benzema, who is facing charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam.

The investigation, centering on wiretap evidence, started when Valbuena took legal action after being contacted by a man claiming to be in possession of an incriminating sex tape.

Benzema’s involvement has not yet been fully determined. But investigators who charged him last month believe he was approached by a childhood friend to act as an intermediary and convince Valbuena to deal directly with the blackmailers.