Benzema has been exiled from international football while awaiting trial allegedly blackmailing former teammate Valbuena. However, the 33-year-old suggested that his Algerian origins are the real reason for his exclusion.
Didier Deschamps defends from racial accusations
Didier Deschamps has left Karim Benzema off the French squad since the Mathieu Valbuena case emerged in 2015, but he said the Real Madrid striker’s accusations of racism remain in his mind. Benzema has been exiled from international football while awaiting trial allegedly blackmailing former teammate Valbuena. However, the 33-year-old suggested that his Algerian origins are the real reason for his exclusion. “Deschamps has bowed to pressure from the racist part of France,” Benzema told reporters. Deschamps was greatly affected by these accusations, which sometimes became ugly, with threats against his family. “It left its sign. Even if it fades a little with time, I cannot forget it,” Deschamps said. “It’s not just about Karim Benzema, and there are comments from other people who committed this violence against my family.”
Deschamps’ family home has been attacked, and he tried to sue Benzema for his comments, but the courts dismissed his claim. Eric Cantona suggested that Benzema ethnicity had played a role in Deschamps, leaving him out when he spoke to the Guardian in 2016. “Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa are the two best players in France and will not play in the European Championship,” Cantona said. “And for sure, Benzema and Ben Arfa, their origins are North African. So the debate is open.”