The French Football Federation (FFF) on Thursday (10 December) indefinitely suspended Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema from France's national team.

SOUNDBITE: (French) Noel Le Graet, President of French Football Federation (announcing the Benzema decision)

"So I decided. Because it's not from a disciplinary commission, it's not ethics, it's only a decision from the president of the French Football Federation. I informed Didier Deschamps (France coach) - today Karim Benzema is not anymore selectable."

SOUNDBITE: (French) Noel Le Graet, President of French Football Federation (confirming the decision won’t be reversed until the situation changes)

"If the situation doesn't change he won't be available for selection in March. You could say to me, 'there are the Euros (European Championship) and at the end, Noel, you've not appreciated that player.' It's breaking my heart. Yes, he won't be selected in June and July if the situation is still the same. So I allow a "door of hope" to let a case too big for me to get back to a normal size, to be back in a normal balance. But for today until a new instruction (element) in that case is favourable to Benzema, he's not anymore available for selection."

SOUNDBITE: (French) Noel Le Graet, President of French Football Federation (on his hope to find a resolution)

"Karim knows that I personally have a lot of respect for him. I don't want to repeat what I said to you, If there is a match tomorrow he won't play, if there is any change in March he doesn't play, if there is no evolution for the Euro competition (France 2016) he won't play. My wish is that case would deflate itself, and my... the two players necessary to the French team could check their hands and play."