Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.French football federation (FFF) President Noel Le Graet says the blackmail scandal that involves two international players is not bad for them, but for the players.
With just months until the country hosts the European Championships, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has this week been interviewed by police in a blackmail plot that involved an alleged sex tape of Lyon's Mathieu Valbuena.
Both players, regular France internationals, were left out of the squad by manager Didier Deschamps for the friendly against Germany tonight and England on Tuesday.
Deschamps has said Valbuena was not in the right mental condition for selection due to the scandal, but insisted the absence of Benzema - whose lawyer Sylvain Cormier has protested his client's innocence - was down to his thigh injury.
"This is bad for both players, not the federation," Le Graet told Le Monde.
"On the side of the FFF, everything is in place for the Euros.
"The technical aspect belongs to Didier (Deschamps). The organisational aspect belongs to (Euro 2016 boss) Jacques Lambert and the FFF. The ticket office is in full swing. Sponsors are here.
"We would have preferred to do without this case, but it has no consequences. There are no worries."
Additional reporting from PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments