Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is banned from playing for the France national team because of his alleged involvement in a sex-tape blackmail plot, report AFP.

The 27 year old is being investigated over a blackmail plot involving team-mate Mathieu Valbuena but denies wrongdoing.

France are hosting this summer's European Championship, which gets under way in June.

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet said Benzema's ban would include the 2016 European Championships unless the case was settled.

"I have decided that he is not available for selection,'' added Le Graet, who had previously supported Benzema.

He described the decision as "heart-breaking''.