German police raid DFB headquarters in Euro 2024 bribery probe
German authorities have searched the DFB’s headquarters and other sites over suspected improper benefits linked to UEFA Euro 2024, creating further governance pressure for German football’s governing body.
German police have searched the DFB’s headquarters in Frankfurt as part of an investigation into suspected bribery connected to UEFA Euro 2024, raising fresh governance and reputational concerns for the national federation.More than 150 officers were involved in searches across several German locations, including host-city authorities and companies linked to the tournament.The Bochum Public Prosecutor’s Office and North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office said: “The subject of the investigation is allegedly granted unauthorised benefits, including in the form of attendance at an international football match, which an accused individual, who was working for a host city at the time, is said to have received from those responsible within the organising society.“In addition, those responsible within the organising society are alleged to have offered the host cities exclusive pre-emption rights for tickets, which were partially utilised by the host cities and used in various ways.”Investigators are examining whether officials connected to Euro 2024 host cities received benefits including match tickets, travel and hotel accommodation from the tournament organising structure.The inquiry is understood to include tickets for the Euro 2024 semi-final between France and Spain, with two individuals linked to the organising committee reportedly central to the investigation.Authorities said the searches were conducted on July 1 to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged benefits. The individuals under investigation have not yet had an opportunity to respond, and the presumption of innocence applies.North Rhine-Westphalia interior minister Herbert Reul said: “A football ticket is not part of a salary. Anyone in public service who holds out their hand can expect a visit from us.”The investigation adds to scrutiny of the DFB’s financial controls and governance following previous legal and regulatory inquiries involving tax arrangements and the bidding process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.The raid took place shortly after Germany’s men’s national team were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Paraguay in the round of 32, increasing pressure on the federation across both sporting and institutional operations.Prosecutors will now assess evidence collected from the DFB, host-city authorities and associated businesses before deciding whether to bring formal charges.