PARIS: A French appeals court has lifted the order preventing Karim Benzema from meeting with Mathieu Valbuena, bringing the Real Madrid striker closer to being cleared to play on France's national team.

Benzema's lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, described Friday's decision as "a first step." Benzema, who is currently sidelined with an injury, is facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape involving France teammate 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 appealed.