Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has dropped an appeal against a one-year suspended sentence for complicity in a bid to blackmail former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape, his lawyer said Saturday.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema drops appeal over 'sex tape' sentence

France striker Karim Benzema "will not be excluded" from selection for the national team if a guilty verdict is delivered against him in an ongoing sex tape trial, according to French football federation president Noel Le Graet.

Karim Benzema eligible for France even if guilty in sex tape trial: Federation boss

Lawyers for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on Friday dismissed charges against him over an attempt to blackmail fellow player Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape, saying the prosecution had been driven by media interest in the case.

Karim Benzema's lawyers criticise 'sex tape' trial on last day of hearings

France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema went on trial in absentia on Wednesday, charged with complicity in the attempted blackmail of former international team mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema stands trial over sex tape affair

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's trial for "complicity in attempted blackmail" over a sex tape involving former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena will be held in October, a court official told AFP on Tuesday.

October date set for Benzema's trial in sex tape case