PARIS (AP) Former France striker Djibril Cisse has been released by police after being detained for questioning as part of an investigation into a blackmail case that allegedly involves another football player.
The Versailles prosecutor's office said in a statement that Cisse was released without appearing before a judge.
Three other people were also placed in custody on Tuesday morning over an extortion plot.
Cisse was question of suspicion 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.'' According to reports in the French media, the extortion plot targeted another France international.
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.
