Police search DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on suspicion of corruption
Over 150 police officers searched the headquarters of the German Football Association and several Euro 2024 host cities. Suspicion: cities received tickets and travel for their support during Euro 2024.
Police search DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on suspicion of corruption
More than 150 officers stormed the headquarters of the German Football Association (DFB) in Frankfurt on Wednesday morning. The large-scale raid is part of a wide-ranging investigation into bribery allegations in connection with the Euro 2024 football championship.
In addition to the DFB headquarters, investigators searched several Euro 2024 venues and private companies in various parts of Germany. The suspicion: representatives of the host cities are alleged to have received benefits such as entry tickets, travel and hotel accommodation in exchange for their cooperation in organising the tournament.
Herbert Reul, interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, condemned the action sharply. He emphasised that people in public office must not accept such gifts. The police intervene when officials abuse their position to gain personal advantages.
The investigations are focusing on two individuals with connections to the Euro 2024 organising committee. The suspects are accused of distributing unauthorised benefits to city representatives – including access to high-profile matches such as the semi-final between France and Spain.
In a joint statement from police and the public prosecutor's office, it was stated that the accused had not yet commented on the allegations. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation is at an early stage, and no decision has yet been made on possible charges.
The case is the latest scandal in a long series of controversies surrounding the DFB. As early as 2015, the then-president Wolfgang Niersbach had resigned after Germany was suspected of bribing FIFA decision-makers for the awarding of the 2006 World Cup.
The current allegations are exacerbating the federation's crisis, which is simultaneously struggling with sporting disappointments and reputational damage. The German national team had recently been unexpectedly eliminated from the World Cup in Qatar following a match against Paraguay.
Source: Helsingin Uutiset
Source: Google News FI — Crime (fi)