A footballer who accuses France's star striker Karim Benzema of trying to blackmail him using 'an intimate sex tape' that was going to be sold to the English media feared the scandal would destroy his career, a court heard today.
Mathieu Valbuena, 37, accuses Real Madrid striker Benzema, 33, of working with four childhood friends to try and extort money out of him.
'At first, I did not believe it, I thought it was a hoax,' said Valbuena, who also used to play for France's national team with Benzema. 'But then 'I felt in danger, and there was a fear for my sports career if the video came to light.'
Benzema, who earns a basic salary of around £10m a year, faces up to five years in prison if found guilty following his three-day trial which opened at the Versailles Criminal Court, west of Paris, on Wednesday.
Despite the severity of the charges, Benzema opted to stay away from court, saying he was preparing for games with his club side, Real Madrid.
Mathieu Valbuena, 37, (pictured right with his lawyer outside the courtroom today) accuses Real Madrid striker Benzema, 33, of working with four childhood friends to try and extort money out of him
Karim Benzema (pictured on Tuesday playing for Real Madrid) is accused of trying to blackmail Valbuena using 'an intimate sex tape' that was going to be sold to the English media
Before entering court on Wednesday, Valbuena, who plays for Greek Super League club Olympiacos, told waiting journalists: 'We've been dealing with this for six years. I see that everyone is there... almost.
'Benzema is missing. It's a shame, but that's how it is. We go all the way. We have been waiting six years - the time it will take to for us to put all this behind us.'
Paul-Albert Iweins, Valbuena's lawyer, said: 'For five years, Mr Benzema has proclaimed that he wants a confrontation with my client. I hope the court draws the consequences.'
Beyond the five years, Benzema faces a fine equivalent to around £65,000 if found guilty of complicity in attempted blackmail.
Four co-accused, who are all
