Ex-France striker Cisse in custody over blackmail

Cisse is accused of conspiracy to blackmail, a charge with a maximum prison sentence of five years. (Alastair Grant/AP)

PARIS — Former France striker Djibril Cisse has been arrested as part of an investigation into a blackmail case that allegedly involves another football player.

Versailles prosecutor’s office said in a statement that three other people were also put in custody on Tuesday morning.

Cisse is accused of conspiracy to blackmail, a charge with a maximum prison sentence of five years.

A prosecutor’s spokeswoman said the identity of the victim won’t be revealed "out of respect for his/her private life."

The 34-year-old Cisse, whose career has been marred by injuries, is currently without a club. A former Liverpool player, Cisse scored nine goals in 41 games for France.

Sportsnet.ca no longer supports comments.