Karim Benzema will not play for France when his country host Euro 2016 this summer, the French Football Federation have confirmed.

The Real Madrid striker has not played for his country since being questioned by police in November in connection to an alleged blackmail attempt against Mathieu Valbuena, over a sextape reportedly showing national team-mate Valbuena and his partner.

There has yet to be an official announcement of a decision on his ban over an alleged blackmail scandal.

Benzema has also been caught up in a money laundering case in which he has been called as a witness.

FULL STATEMENT ON BENZEMA HERE

It was always deemed unlikely that he would be recalled by his country while such negative publicity surrounded him.

He apparently met France head coach Didier Deschamps and FFF President Noel Le Graet on Wednesday to discuss the situation.

    ""Unfortunately for me and all those who have always supported and put up with me I will not be selected for the Euros in France," said Benzema via Twitter. "

Benzema, 28, has won 81 caps for the national side since 2007, scoring 27 goals for Les Bleus.

France's midfielder Mathieu Valbuena (L) and France's forward Karim Benzema - AFP

"The ability of players to work towards unity, in and around the group, and exemplary preservation group are also taken into account by all the Federation," said the FFF in a statement.

"As a result, Christmas Graët and Didier Deschamps decided that Karim Benzema will not participate in Euro 2016."

Ahead of the decision, Benzema wrote on his Facebook page: "Whatever happens... Once a Blue, always a Blue!"

Benzema has won the La Liga and the Champions League with the Spanish side and has twice won the Copa del Rey.

He won four Ligue 1 titles and a Coupe de France with Olympique Lyon before joining Madrid for around £35m in 2009.

He was part of the France side that lifted the European Under-17 Championship 12 years ago.

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