Karim Benzema will not play for France at this year's European Championship after his national federation ruled against his return due to an ongoing legal case, clearly fearing that his inclusion would disrupt harmony within the host nation's squad. The Real Madrid striker is facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to blackmail, relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena. Leading politicians, such as Prime Minister Manuel Valls, said Benzema should not be selected for France. More...