Karim Benzema has been included in France’s 26-man Euro 2020 squad despite facing trial for the alleged blackmail of former teammate Mathieu Balbuena.
The Real Madrid forward, widely considered to be the best French striker of his generation, has not appeared for Les Bleus since November 2015 due to his suspected involvement in a sex tape scandal.
KB x KM 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/72smmr87f2
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) May 18, 2021
After being left out of France’s Euro 2016 squad as a result, Benzema, who is of Algerian descent, accused Deschamps of bowing to racist pressure.
“We met, we spoke at length, I then thought very hard and came to make this decision,” Deschamps said of his decision. “I needed this chat, he needed this chat. I don’t want to make this a specific case. As national team boss, I have always look beyond my personal case. My responsibility is important, but it is bigger than me.”
