2006, the German Football Association has announced
an internal investigation.
The German Football Association (DFB) has announced an
internal investigation into bribery claims surrounding the 2006
World Cup.
A report in Der Spiegel last week alleged that a slush fund –
provided by former Adidas chief Robert Louis-Dreyfus –
totalling close to $6million had been established by Germany's
World Cup bidding committee, intended to secure votes for the
right to host the tournament.
DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach stated on Thursday that the
payment in question was made to FIFA upon the suggestion of
Franz Beckenbauer, who led the bid committee, in order to
secure additional funding for the tournament.
This loan, which Niersbach insists he only became aware of
earlier this year, was paid by Louis-Dreyfus but later repaid in
full.
The DFB has since confirmed it will hold its own enquiry into the
matter, stating it will pursue "a comprehensive, total
investigation into all allegations connected with the 2006 World
Cup".
Legal team Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has already begun
proceedings, the statement said.
"For the league association, and for me personally, it is crucial
that everything is cleared up correctly and irrespective of the
persons concerned," said league president Dr Reinhard Rauball.
"It is imperative for German football that the entire truth comes
out, even if it leads to painful discoveries."
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