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."

Benzema, who netted twice in Madrid's 4-1 win over Getafe on Saturday, has already expressed his desire to remain a part of Didier Deschamps' squad.

"My goal is to play in France's team," the forward told Telefoot on Sunday. "It always has been and I do not want to [stop].

"I'm not afraid [of not playing at Euro 2016] because there are too many things in life to be afraid of.

"I dream because it is the Euro, a great competition and it is in France.

"I had a message from Didier Deschamps. I often talk to him and he supports me. My family and other players support me."

However, fellow France international Valbuena stated at the end of last month that he was left "more than disappointed" by Benzema's alleged role in the attempt to blackmail him.