Zidane: France shouldn't ban Benzema over sex tape scandal

Zinedine Zidane does not want to see Karim Benzema removed from the France setup due to the Real Madrid forward's involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal.

Benzema is facing charges of conspiracy to blackmail and the French Football Federation (FFF) have called a press conference for Thursday at which president Noel Le Graet is scheduled to address "all current issues" relating to the case.

It is being reported by L'Equipe and Le Parisien that the decision will be taken to temporarily exclude Benzema from international duty pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

However, France legend Zidane is hoping that Benzema is allowed to continue representing les Bleus, as he wants his country to have the best possible chance of winning next year's European Championship on home soil.

“We have to wait until Thursday," the Real Madrid Castilla coach told reporters on Sunday. "But the best thing for France and the player is for him to avoid a suspension.

"We're talking about a really important player for our team and I'm only focused on the sporting side of things.

"I expect that he can solve his personal problems."

"He really wanted to play this game, do well, and score goals. Doing well on the pitch will help him to deal with other things."