As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Real Madrid striker Benzema drops appeal over blackmail ruling

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has dropped his appeal against his one-year suspended sentence for complicity in the attempts to blackmail former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

The trial was due to take place on June 30 and July 1, but Benzema has grown tired of the process and decided to drop the case.

L'Equipe reports lawyer Hugues Vigier said that Benzema is "exhausted" by the six-year process.

"This withdrawal endorses a ruling of condemnation and apparently of guilt," Vigier said. "It is a judicial truth. But it is not reality."

According to L'Equipe, Benzema has been sentenced to a one-year suspended prison sentence.

The forward was also hit with a fine of 75,000 euros, with 80,000 euros more to be paid to Valbuena for damages.

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free