The French appeals court lifted a restraining order on Karim Benzema on Friday (11th March) over blackmail charges, moving him closer to being allowed to play for France in Euro 2016.

The French appeals court has lifted an order on Karim Benzema preventing him from meeting his France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

The ban was imposed over an alleged blackmail case involving the Real Madrid striker.

Benzema, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, faces preliminary charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape involving Valbuena.

Benzema has been suspended from the national team until the case has been resolved, meaning that he could miss the European Championship to be held in France from June 10.

An investigating judge had lifted the order keeping the two players apart, but the prosecutor has appealed.

Benzema's lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, described Friday's decision as "a first step."

The French football federation also welcomed the judicial decision, adding it was allowed to join the case as plaintiff, meaning it will now have access to the case files.