The World Cup in 2006 often is the topic of bribes and corruption. For years, investigations and experiences have tainted the World Cup in Germany from that 12 months. Now, the case is formally going to courtroom to find out if there was a slush fund to deliver yet another vote to Germany. By the top, Germany had yet another vote than South Africa, which gave the Germans the proper to host the match.
Now, prosecutors declare the German Soccer Affiliation (DFB) claimed tax evasion on a fee between Franz Beckenbauer and a Qatari official. For years, the main focus of the bribery case centered round corruption. Nonetheless, that fell out of FIFA’s Statute of Limitations for initiating authorized proceedings as the method had gone on too lengthy. But, the case on tax evasion remains to be professional. If discovered responsible, sure officers might withstand 10 years in jail.
The suspicious funds come from a $6.5 million fee from former Adidas CEO Robert Louis-Dreyfus to German icon Franz Beckenbauer. Beckenbauer then allegedly wired that cash to a Qatari official, Mohammed bin Hammam. He solid a vote within the choice course of for the 2006 World Cup. In accordance with the Monetary Occasions, the DFB repaid the $6.5 million mortgage to Louis-Dreyfus three years later. Prosecutors mentioned the DFB channeled that mortgage by means of FIFA. In doing so, Germany hid its true intention, which was to pay for a vote. Whereas this all might look like suspicious exercise, earlier investigations into the DFB and FIFA had been inconclusive.
As a substitute, the tax implications on repaying Louis-Dreyfus represent tax evasion, in response to the prosecutors. The DFB listed the fee as a enterprise expense. Thus, it illicitly claimed tax aid on repaying the mortgage on Beckenbauer’s behalf. As acknowledged, the DFB paid that cash by means of FIFA. The official phrase was that the DFB was paying for a gala evening in Germany for the FIFA World Cup. That evening by no means occurred, and FIFA wired the cash to Louis-Dreyfus the subsequent day.
Connection to bribes for the World Cup in 2006
Earlier investigations discovered that the DFB intentionally masked the fee on behalf of Beckenbauer. Nonetheless, that case failed to indicate a concrete reference to internet hosting rights for the 2006 World Cup.
That match ultimately led to Italy successful the competitors for the fourth time. Germany completed third after shedding to the Italians in additional time within the semifinals. Sadly, the controversy surrounding the bidding course of for the World Cup in 2006 began a practice of bribery and corruption accusations inside FIFA. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar drew appreciable ire with connections to bribery. In relation to 2006, all concerned events preserve that they didn’t pay for the World Cup.
“The persecution of celebrities seems to have been extra essential than uncovering the reality,” Hans-Jörg Metz, a lawyer for Zwanziger, mentioned a few biased investigation.
Beckenbauer, a significant participant on this case, handed away earlier in 2024. He maintained his innocence when critics would point out his involvement in bringing the World Cup to Germany in 2006.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
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