In my tribe in Nigeria, there is a saying that " saying I did not witness the incident, will make no one stay longer than necessary in court"
Sometimes some topic are better left undiscussed at all, all Benzema is been held by is what he said about the issue.
The Real Madrid striker appeared before a judge in Versailles after being held in police custody overnight.
Sometimes some topic are better left undiscussed at all, all Benzema is been held by is what he said about the issue.
The Real Madrid striker appeared before a judge in Versailles after being held in police custody overnight.
Police are investigating what part he played in an alleged attempt to extort money from fellow French international Mathieu Valbuena.
A source told AFP news agency that he had admitted involvement.
The 27-year-old star told investigators he had approached Mr Valbuena about the tape on behalf of "a childhood friend," the report said.
According to French media, Mr Benzema mentioned the tape to the midfielder during a national team training session at Clairefontaine in early October, ahead of matches against Armenia and Denmark.
It was unclear whether he was offering friendly advice or trying to press his team-mate to pay the blackmailers.
The prosecutor's office has confirmed that Mr Benzema is now under formal investigation for complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal conspiracy.
When a suspect is placed under formal investigation, he or she is then examined by a judge, who determines whether there is sufficient evidence for the suspect to be charged.
If formal charges do follow, Mr Benzema could face a minimum jail sentence of five years, the prosecutor said.
Meanwhile the court has banned the striker from contacting his France team-mate, or any other people charged in the case.
Correspondents say Thursday's court judgement exposes the footballer to a lengthy period of doubt ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament that France hosts next year.
Sources have told French media that a relative of Mr Benzema's was contacted by the blackmailers, in an attempt to involve him in the scheme. There has been no confirmation from police.
Three other men have been placed under formal investigation after Mr Valbuena was contacted by someone claiming to have the video.
Following the media reports, Mr Benzema's lawyer Sylvain Cormier told Left Parisienne newspaper that the striker played "no part" in the plot and wanted to clear his name.
It is not the first time Mr Benzema has been involved in a police inquiry. Last year, he and fellow France international Franck Ribery were cleared of accusations they had slept with an underage prostitute, who later went on to become a reality TV star and fashion designer.
BBC news
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