July 2 – Police have raided the German FA (DFB) offices and municipal locations over Euro 2024 corruption allegations. 

The case centres on the alleged use of thousands of tickets and hotel reservations for preferred guests during the tournament. The story was first reported by Bild and the German FA confirmed that searches had taken place.  

“The investigation concerns neither the DFB as an organisation nor any individual employees or officials,” said the German FA in a statement. ”Rather, the DFB is involved in these proceedings solely as a witness and has pledged full cooperation with the authorities.”  

In a statement, prosecutors in Bochum and police in North Rhine-Westphalia state said: “The investigations concern alleged unauthorised favours including attendance to a football game among others than an accused individual, who was working for a host city at the time, is said to have received from officials of the organizing entity. 

“In addition, the host cities are said to have been offered exclusive pre-purchase rights for tickets by those responsible at the organizing entity.” 

Euro 2024 was organised by Euro 2024 GmBH, a joint venture between UEFA and the DFB.  

Bild reported that Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Munich were among the city administrations searched.  

“A football ticket is not part of one’s salary. Anyone in the public sector who has their hand out will get a visit ‌from us,” Herbert Reul, the interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, told the newspaper. “Major events like the European football championship, in particular, rely on public trust – trust in the sport and in the authorities that make it possible. We will not allow that trust to be damaged by a few invitations and tickets.” 

The raids add to the gloom in Germany after the national team crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 32 following a penalty shootout loss against Paraguay.  

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]