German FA Targeted by Police Tax Raid in Connection with 2006 World Cup

The headquarters of the German Football Association (DFB) have been raided as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion associated with the country’s hosting of the 2006 World Cup.

News that the DFB offices had been searched came courtesy of Sky Sports News HQ. According to the BBC, the homes of the organisation’s president, Wolfgang Niersbach, and the position’s former incumbent, Theo Zwanziger, have also been raided. The home of DFB ex-general secretary Horst Schmidt was also targeted, according to AFP news agency (h/t BBC).

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As reported by Andreas Kroner of Reuters, the police operations are in relation to a report from magazine Der Spiegel which claimed the DFP looked to buy votes in favour of their World Cup bid. It’s alleged that in 2005, the DFB made a €6.7 million (£4.9 million) payment to FIFA, a sum which prosecutors suggest wasn’t registered in a tax return.

A statement from the prosecutors claimed the investigation will be looking into suspicions of “serious tax evasion” in respect of the 2006 World Cup and the money which was transferred between the two parties.

Niersbach has denied the allegations previously, suggesting the money was paid in order to secure funding from FIFA, per BBC. Franz Beckenbauer, a World Cup-winning captain, manager and the head of the World Cup organising committee, admitted he made a “mistake” in the bidding process, although he backs up Niersbach’s claims over the payment.

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By contrast, Zwanziger has previously conceded it was "clear that a slush fund existed,” per BBC. 

FIFA has been immersed in scandal throughout the year. There are currently investigations being conducted by the US Department of Justice and Swiss authorities into the activities of the organisation. Sepp Blatter, the outgoing FIFA president, was recently suspended provisionally alongside UEFA President Michel Platini.