PARIS — French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has opened the door for striker Karim Benzema’s return after the European Championship.
The Real Madrid forward is facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to blackmail in a sex-tape scandal involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena. Benzema was left out of the Euro 2016 squad in a decision taken by Le Graet and coach Didier Deschamps in the interests of team harmony and avoiding media intrusion.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday at the national team’s training camp in Clairefontaine, Le Graet said he hoped the case will be resolved quickly.
"He’s not suspended for life," Le Graet said. "I don’t believe in suspensions for life."
MORE ON EURO 2016: Sportsnet has you covered with in-depth coverage of Euro 2016 in France, which runs from June 10 to July 10.
• Match schedule || Group standings || Live scoreboard || Latest news
• Profiles: All 24 teams || History of Euro || Top 10 moments in Euro history
• Sportsnet’s predictions || 10 players to watch || 5 key group stage games
• Feature stories || Soccer Central podcast || Team roster lists ||
