German police carried out raids Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation linked to the organization of the 2024 European Championship, including searches at the headquarters of the German Football Association.
According to German newspaper Bild, the investigation involves Euro 2024 GmbH, the joint venture established by the German Football Association (DFB) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to organize the tournament.
In a joint statement, the public prosecutor’s office in Bochum and the State Criminal Police Office of North Rhine-Westphalia said the investigation concerns allegations of granting unauthorized benefits, including tickets to football matches, to a public official.
Prosecutors said one of the suspects, who was employed by one of the tournament’s host cities at the time, is suspected of receiving benefits from officials associated with the tournament’s organizers.
Investigators said tournament organizers granted host cities exclusive priority rights to obtain match tickets, which some municipalities exercised and later used in various ways.
Bild reported that more than 150 law enforcement officers participated in the raids, which form part of an investigation into alleged bribery involving a 66-year-old German national and a 46-year-old French national.
The newspaper added that authorities suspect several thousand tickets may have been improperly allocated internally to preferred guests during Euro 2024.
Searches also targeted municipal offices and local government buildings in several cities that hosted matches during the tournament, according to the report.
Prosecutors emphasized that the suspects have not yet had the opportunity to respond to the allegations and remain presumed innocent while the investigation continues.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.