French football body says Benzema not permanently out of team

Paris, July 13 (IANS) French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet has reiterated that striker Karim Benzema is not ruled out "forever" from the national team, but declined to give an answer on his possible inclusion pending the proceedings of his court case.

Le Graet said at a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the results of Euro 2016, that he always considered Benzema to be a good player and he is not banned for life, but noted that the coach always has the option of not selecting a player, even if not suspended, reports Efe.

He insisted that there is a judicial procedure underway and they must wait and see its development.

The FFF decided to exclude the Real Madrid player from the France squad after he was charged with complicity in the alleged blackmail involving a sex tape of his compatriot Mathieu Valbuena.