German Football Rocked as Corruption Probe Triggers Federation Raid

German Football Rocked as Corruption Probe Triggers Federation Raid 

German police have carried out raids at the headquarters of the German Football Federation (DFB) and several other locations across the country as part of an ongoing criminal investigation linked to the staging of UEFA Euro 2024.

The operation, led by prosecutors in Bochum and police in North Rhine-Westphalia, is examining allegations that officials connected to host cities received improper benefits, including invitations to matches and privileged access to tournament tickets.

In a statement, investigators said the probe centres on suspected “unauthorised favours” allegedly granted by individuals involved in organising the tournament to public officials.

The DFB confirmed that its headquarters in Frankfurt was searched but stressed that neither the federation nor its employees are suspects in the investigation. It said it is cooperating fully with authorities and is involved only as a witness.

Euro 2024 was staged across Germany in June and July 2024 and organised by Euro 2024 GmbH, a joint venture between the DFB and UEFA. Spain went on to win the tournament.

German media reported that more than 150 officers participated in the coordinated raids, which also targeted several city administrations, including Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Munich, as well as private companies.

According to reports, investigators are examining suspected bribery involving a 66-year-old German national and a 46-year-old French national.

Authorities believe thousands of Euro 2024 tickets may have been improperly allocated to selected guests through internal channels.

One of the suspects, a former employee of the Gelsenkirchen city administration, is alleged to have accepted tickets, travel and hotel accommodation worth about €2,400 in connection with the tournament.

North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul said public officials who misuse their positions for personal gain should expect to face the law, adding that major sporting events depend on public confidence in both organisers and government institutions.