Police raid DFB headquarters in Euro 2024 corruption scandal
More than 150 police officers searched the headquarters of the German Football Association and several Euro host cities. The investigation concerns suspected bribery in connection with the 2024 European Football Championship.
Police raid DFB headquarters in Euro 2024 corruption scandal
More than 150 officers searched the headquarters of the German Football Association (DFB) in Frankfurt on Wednesday morning. The raid was part of a broad investigation into suspected corruption, as reported by the business and finance-focused portal City A.M..
In addition to the DFB headquarters, several venues that hosted the 2024 European Championship as well as private companies in various parts of Germany were also searched. According to investigators, there is suspicion that city representatives were offered benefits such as tickets, travel and hotel accommodation ahead of the tournament. In return, they were to cooperate in organising the Euro.
Herbert Reul, interior minister of Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia, sharply condemned the action. He emphasised that people in public office should not accept such benefits. The police intervened when officials exploited their position to obtain personal advantages.
The investigation focuses on two individuals with connections to the Euro organising committee. Authorities suspect that these individuals, or through them city representatives, were granted unlawful benefits. According to reports, this included access to high-profile matches, including the semi-final between France and Spain.
According to a joint statement from police and the public prosecutor's office, the accused have not so far commented on the allegations. They are presumed innocent until their guilt is established in final court judgment. The investigation is still in an early stage, and no decisions have yet been made on possible charges.
The incident is part of a series of scandals that have plagued the DFB for years. In 2015, the then-president Wolfgang Niersbach stepped down after Germany was suspected of bribing FIFA officials for the awarding of the 2006 World Cup. The current revelations have further intensified the crisis at the association.
Source: Hämeen Sanomat