France striker Benzema backs Blanc despite scandal

France striker Karim Benzema has backed coach Laurent Blanc despite allegations the French Football Federation may look to limit the number of ethnic players in national training programs.

French football has been plunged into turmoil after investigative website Mediapart reported that Blanc and senior figures in the federation approved proposals to limit to 30 percent the number of players of African and North-African descent in training academies once they reach the age of 13.

Benzema, who is of French-Algerian heritage, says "it's a scandal, you have to admit it."

But the Real Madrid striker showed support for Blanc, saying: "I don't think he's someone who's racist."

Madrid plays Barcelona in a Champions League semi final match on Tuesday.