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Karim Benzema return to France up to Didier Deschamps - Le Graet

The future of France striker Karim Benzema is up to coach Didier Deschamps, French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has said.

Benzema, 28, was omitted from France's Euro 2016 squad after being charged with conspiracy to blackmail as part of an investigation into an alleged attempt to extort money from his former international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Deschamps has already said that the striker is not ready to return to the side.

He told a news conference last month: "I'm going to be honest with you -- even if he had been available today [for games against Belarus and Italy], I wouldn't have picked him for this squad because I don't think it's the time for him to return to the French team."

However, Le Graet insisted Benzema could return as soon as the coach wanted him to.

"I'm against lifelong punishments. We will not take any risk, whatever it is," he told L'Equipe. "He didn't play the Euros and it [the situation] is quite something. There's no problem between Didier and me on this matter.

"When you look at the rules, Benzema is selectable, like a lot of players. [Samir] Nasri, for instance.

"When the court of justice has ruled on the case, then it will be down to Didier to bring him back or not."