Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is on trial in absentia for alleged Valbuena blackmail.

The Frenchman denies any culpability in connection with a case that was brought to trial six years after the alleged occurrence.

Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid striker, was tried in his absence for his alleged role in a scheme to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena over a sex film.

The former Lyon forward is suspected of being part in a conspiracy to extort money from a fellow Frenchman five years ago before a friendly against Armenia.

He was accused with involvement in Valbuena’s attempted blackmail, but he was not in court on Wednesday when the trial began. In this case, Benzema has denied any misconduct.