"If a minister was under formal investigation, they would not be in the government. In a way, it's the same for the France team,", Valls told Europe 1 radio.

Real Madrid striker Benzema was put under formal judicial investigation last month in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail Olympique Lyonnais forward Valbuena with the use of a sex video.

Euro 2016 Rooney: Hodgson got it wrong at finals 01/08/2016 AT 19:28

Both players were omitted by coach Didier Deschamps when he picked his squad for friendlies against Germany and England last month.

Benzema has been forbidden by a prosecutor to be in contact with the people linked to the investigation.

Euro 2016 Hodgson's England 'had the talent to win Euro 2016' 26/07/2016 AT 15:39