French footballer Karim Benzema has been placed under formal investigation in connection with a sex tape blackmail plot involving another player.
The Real Madrid striker appeared before a judge in Versailles after being held in custody overnight.
His lawyer says he played “no part” in an alleged attempt to extort money from fellow French international Mathieu Valbuena.
The two men reportedly had an exchange during a training session.
According to French media, Benzema mentioned the tape to the midfielder during a national team training session at Clairefontaine in early October.
A source close to inquiry, quoted by told AFP news agency, said the 27-year-old star told investigators on Thursday he had approached Valbuena about the tape on behalf of “a childhood friend”.
France coach Didier Deschamps left both players out of his squad selected on Thursday for matches against Germany and England later in November.
‘Nothing to hide’
The prosecutor’s office earlier confirmed that Benzema was 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.
Karim Benzema
Born in Lyon as one of 10 children in a family of Algerian origin
Joined Lyon youth football academy aged nine
Made professional debut in 2005, aged 17
Recruited by Real Madrid FC from Olympique Lyonnais in 2009
Played first senior match for French national team in March 2007
Linked with a move to Arsenal in August
Cleared of charges he slept with an under-age prostitute in 2014
If formal charges do follow and he is convicted, 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.
Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Benzema’s lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, said his client was adamant he was not guilty of the charges.
“Karim Benzema has nothing to hide,” he said.
“He supports his friend, Mathieu Valbuena, with all his heart. He took no part, I state this again – no part – in the blackmail or blackmail attempts.”
“Karim Benzema will show he acted in good faith, and I hope this will be seen as soon as possible,” Cormier added.
Whether or not the footballer is charged, correspondents say the formal investigation exposes him to a lengthy period of doubt ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament that France hosts next year.
French coach Deschamps refused to comment on the legal case on Thursday but said Benzema had been injured.
He added that Lyon midfielder Valbuena was not in an emotional state to play in upcoming games against Germany and England.
