Axing of scandal-ridden Benzema backed by France PM

Karim Benzema, who is under investigation for alleged blackmailing, should not be called up to the France squad, French Prime minister Manuel Valls said on Tuesday.

- French football star Benzema ARRESTED in sex-tape probe

- Football star Benzema faces charge in French sex-tape blackmail case

- Benzema files complaint over French sex tape probe

"If a minister was under formal investigation, they would not be in the government. In a way, it's the same for the France team," Valls told Europe 1 radio.

Real Madrid striker Benzema was put under formal judicial investigation last month in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail Olympique Lyonnais forward Valbuena with the use of a sex video.

Both players were omitted by coach Didier Deschamps when he picked his squad for friendlies against Germany and England last month.

Benzema has been forbidden by a prosecutor to be in contact with the people linked to the investigation.