The German Football Association (DFB) headquarters in Frankfurt am Main were raided on Wednesday as 150 investigators searched the premises in connection with a bribery investigation. The raid follows Germany's World Cup elimination by Paraguay on Monday and targets allegations surrounding ticket distribution and hospitality for Euro 2024.
Investigation Details
According to German outlet Bild, the raid aims to gather evidence against a 66-year-old German national and a 46-year-old Frenchman. The allegations involve hotel invitations and thousands of tickets unlawfully distributed before Germany hosted Euro 2024. Suspicions of 'structured preferential treatment' and bribery have emerged following the internal distribution of tickets to 'favoured guests'.
The DFB's Frankfurt headquarters served as the base for Euro 2024 GmbH, the company established to oversee the tournament. A Bavarian firm was also raided, and city authorities in Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, and Munich are being searched by the investigative commission.
Official Statements
North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul told Bild: "A football ticket is not part of a salary. Anyone in the public service who expects a bribe will receive a visit from us. Large events like the European Football Championship, in particular, depend on people's trust in the sport and in the authorities who make it possible. We will not allow this trust to be damaged by a few invitations and tickets."
Allegations Against Individuals
The Frenchman under investigation is understood to have overseen relations with host cities. He allegedly extended invitations to the heads of Euro 2024 offices for top-tier matches, including the semi-final between Spain and France in Munich for the German suspect. Including travel and accommodation, the German man is alleged to have benefited from a package worth approximately €2,400 (£2,065). He no longer works for the city's administration and is under investigation for fraud and embezzlement. His residence is among properties searched on Wednesday. Bild reports the Frenchman has no previous criminal record.
On-Field Context
On the field, the DFB faces scrutiny after Germany's shock World Cup elimination on penalties by Paraguay. Speculation surrounds Julian Nagelsmann's future, with Jurgen Klopp rumoured as a potential replacement. Nagelsmann, contracted until after Euro 2028, stated: "I am available. If the DFB wants it, then I will do the Euro 2028, and if not then they have to tell me. I'm not someone who runs away."
