Real Madrid's Karim Benzema arrested over alleged sex tape blackmail of teammate

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and one time Rihanna fling, has been arrested in connection with an alleged sex tape blackmail involving his France teammate Mathieu Valbuena. According reports, Benzema is suspected of plotting to extort money from Valbuena in exchange for withholding the sex tape involving Valbuena and a lover, from the public.

Part of the investigations around the case also saw former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse taken into custody and later released.

According to media reports, Benzema mentioned the tape to Valbuena during a team meeting in October. Police are now attempting to find out if the conversation between the two players involved payment regarding the tape.

The prosecutor has placed Benzema under formal criminal investigation, with a source close to the case saying: "We can confirm that he is being questioned over his role in this affair".

Benzema can be held and questioned for up to 48 hours, but his lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, says the striker is relaxed as he did nothing wrong

"He came to respond to some questions. He is fine. He had nothing to do with this blackmail case. "He's pleased, even satisfied, that he can end this controversy once and for all".the lawyer said

Earlier this year, Karim Benzema was cleared of underage sex charges in France.