Police search DFB headquarters – corruption allegations over Euro 2024
More than 150 officers searched the headquarters of the German Football Association as well as several cities and companies. Suspicion centres on bribery allegations connected with the provision of benefits to Euro 2024 host cities.
Police search DFB headquarters – corruption allegations over Euro 2024
Police searched the headquarters of the German Football Association (DFB) in Frankfurt on Wednesday morning. More than 150 officers participated in the large-scale raid. In addition to the DFB headquarters, they investigated several venues of the European Football Championship as well as private companies across various parts of Germany.
The operation took place just under 36 hours after the surprising elimination of the German national team from the World Cup in Qatar. Investigators are examining suspicion that cities and their representatives were granted unlawful benefits in connection with organising Euro 2024. These allegedly included match tickets, travel and hotel accommodation.
Two individuals with connections to the European Championship organising committee are the focus of the investigation. They are said to have provided access to high-profile matches – including the semi-final between France and Spain.
Herbert Reul, interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, spoke clearly about the case. Officials in public office must not accept such gifts. Police intervene when office-holders misuse their position for personal advantage.
According to a joint statement from police and prosecutors, the investigation is still at an early stage. The suspects have made no statement about the allegations so far. They are presumed innocent until their guilt is established by final court judgment. No decisions have yet been made regarding possible charges.
The DFB has been affected by scandals for some time. In 2015, then-president Wolfgang Niersbach stepped down after allegations emerged that Germany had bribed FIFA decision-makers to secure the hosting of the 2006 World Cup.
Source: City A.M. via Karjalainen
Source: Google News FI — Crime (fi)