PARIS

Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema was charged with "participation in a criminal association" and "conspiracy to blackmail" after he appeared before an investigating magistrate near Paris on Thursday, local media reported.

Benzema, 27, had been held in police custody over an alleged plot to blackmail fellow France international Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape, French sports newspaper L’Equipe reported.

His lawyer Sylvain Cormier told reporters outside the courthouse that Benzema "denies any wrongdoing or [of having] any role whatsoever in the blackmail".

Cormier also dismissed "misleading" reports that Benzema has admitted his involvement in the case.

"Karim Benzema didn't admit anything," he said. "It is frightening to read such things in the press. He proclaims his innocence."

If convicted of blackmail, Benzema could face up to five years in prison. He has been placed under judicial supervision, meaning he is not allowed to be in contact with Valbuena, has reported French media. 

Benzema had been held overnight by police in Versailles. According to L'Equipe, investigators were trying to determine whether a conversation between Benzema and Valbuena during a meeting of the French football team last month was an attempt to pressure Valbuena into paying the blackmailers.

BFM TV reported that prosecutors have asked that Benzema, who earned the equivalent of $9 million last year, be charged and placed under judicial control.

Three other suspects have been officially charged with blackmail in the case, which was launched in July.

On Oct. 13, former French international Djibril Cisse was also detained for questioning in Paris. He was released the same day and has proclaimed his innocence on French TV.

Benzema, who began his career at Lyon, is a key part of the French national team, having scored 27 goals in 81 appearances.

He was involved in a sex scandal five years ago when charges were brought against him and fellow France international Franck Ribery over an underage prostitution ring. Both players were cleared.