Former France and Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has been released by police after being detained for questioning over a blackmail case allegedly involving another football player.
The Versailles prosecutor's office said Cisse was released without appearing before a judge.
Three other people were also held on Tuesday morning over an alleged extortion plot.
Cisse was questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to blackmail, an offence which can carry a maximum prison sentence of five years.
A prosecutor's spokeswoman said the identity of the victim will not be revealed "out of respect for his/her private life".
According to reports in the French media, the extortion plot targeted another France international.
Cisse, 34, whose career has been marred by injuries, is currently without a club. The former Liverpool player scored nine goals in 41 games for France.
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