Beckenbauer probed by prosecutors

BERLIN: German football legend Franz Beckenbauer appeared before Swiss prosecutors on Thursday as part of a corruption probe into the awarding of the 2006 World Cup to Germany.

“Today (Thursday) I was interviewed as part of a long scheduled hearing by the Swiss federal prosecutor and I answered his questions,” the former chairman of Germany’s 2006 bid committee said.

“Out of respect for the very correct federal prosecutor’s office, and also at his request, I will not speak any more about this case,” added Beckenbauer.

The Swiss investigation is focusing on a payment of €6.7 million (RM31.5 million) made by the German Football Federation (DFB) to world football’s governing body Fifa in 2005.

Beckenbauer, 71, who won World Cup titles for West Germany as a player and a coach, headed the 2006 bid and has admitted making mistakes, but denied any wrongdoing over the tournament. AFP