DFB in the crosshairs: corruption investigation shakes Euro2024 organization
German authorities are investigating the DFB on suspicion of irregularities in the organization of the continental tournament, with searches of offices and homes linked to the event.
The German Football Federation (DFB) is under investigation for suspected corruption in the organization of Euro2024. German authorities carried out searches of DFB offices and directors' homes in several cities across the country, including Berlin, Munich and . The investigations, conducted by the police in partnership with the Public Prosecutor's Office, focus on possible irregularities in contracts and bidding processes linked to the continental tournament, which will be hosted in Germany between June 14 and July 14, 2024.
The DFB, responsible for the event's logistics, denied any irregularities and stated that it is cooperating fully with the authorities. In a statement, the entity classified the accusations as unfounded and highlighted its commitment to transparency. However, the investigation has already raised questions about the credibility of the tournament organization and the federation's ability to guarantee a suspicion-free event.
Agence France-Presse had access to excerpts from preliminary statements that suggest suspicious payments to third-party companies involved in contracting services for Euro2024. These documents, which have not yet been officially confirmed, point to possible misappropriation of public resources and undue favoritism. What follows now is a detailed analysis of the documents seized during the searches and the hearing of key witnesses.
The DFB is awaiting the conclusion of the investigations to take a definitive position, while UEFA and FIFA are monitoring the case closely, aware that any development could affect the tournament's image. The investigation comes at a critical time for German football, still recovering after the 2015 FIFA corruption scandal, which led to the arrest of several European football executives. The DFB, which already faced million-dollar sanctions and fines at the time, is now at risk of seeing its reputation tarnished again, especially in the face of a global tournament like Euro2024.
The pressure on the entity is even greater because the tournament is seen as a showcase for German football, after years of institutional crises and a decline in the national team's performance. Furthermore, the investigation raises doubts about the transparency of the bidding processes for the construction of stadiums and tournament infrastructure. Preliminary documents indicate that some companies that won bids had connections with DFB officials, which could constitute conflicts of interest.
These suspicions, if confirmed, would not only undermine the credibility of Euro2024, but could also result in legal proceedings against those involved, with possible legal implications for the federation itself. The current scandal also exposes weaknesses in the DFB's internal control mechanisms. Internal sources interviewed by the German press reveal that, despite reforms implemented after 2015, compliance and audit protocols still have significant gaps.
The lack of rigorous oversight of recent tenders — especially those related to technology and security service providers — has become a focal point of investigations. These sectors, critical to the operation of the tournament, are now the subject of detailed scrutiny. The international dimension of the case takes on a more serious tone when considering Germany's role as host of the tournament.
The DFB presidency, held by Bernd Neuendorf since 2021, faces demands for a clear public response. Neuendorf, who took office with the promise of modernizing the federation's management, sees his legacy threatened. 5 million by UEFA in 2016 for previous irregularities, risks facing even more severe sanctions, including the loss of the right to organize future events.
Agence France-Presse had access to excerpts from preliminary statements that suggest suspicious payments to third-party companies involved in contracting services for Euro2024. These documents, which have not yet been officially confirmed, point to possible misappropriation of public resources and undue favoritism. What follows now is a detailed analysis of the documents seized during the searches and the hearing of key witnesses.
The DFB is awaiting the conclusion of the investigations to take a definitive position, while UEFA and FIFA are monitoring the case closely, aware that any development could affect the tournament's image. What's next: The investigations should be concluded in the coming months, with the possibility of formal charges against DFB leaders. UEFA and FIFA must assess whether the case warrants sanctions, such as fines or even the removal of the DFB from organizing future events.
The impact on Euro2024 will depend on the severity of the irregularities found and the federation's ability to demonstrate transparency in the coming months. The investigation could undermine confidence in Euro2024, as the DFB is responsible for the logistics of the tournament in Germany. If irregularities are proven, the reputation of the entity and the event could suffer lasting damage, affecting sponsors, participating federations and FIFA.
Furthermore, the case reignites discussions about the governance of European football, which is still trying to recover from previous scandals, such as FIFA in 2015. Euro2024, seen as a redemption project for German football, risks becoming a new symbol of a lack of transparency in sport. Read at RTP Desporto
Why this matters
The investigation could undermine confidence in Euro2024, as the DFB is responsible for the logistics of the tournament in Germany. If irregularities are proven, the reputation of the entity and the event could suffer lasting damage, affecting sponsors, participating federations and FIFA. Furthermore, the case reignites discussions about the governance of European football, which is still trying to recover from previous scandals, such as FIFA in 2015. Euro2024, seen as a redemption project for German football, risks becoming a new symbol of a lack of transparency in sport.
Frequently asked
What are the suspicions against the German Football Association?
The DFB is being investigated for suspected corruption in the organization of Euro2024, including possible irregularities in contracts and tenders related to the tournament.
Where were the police searches carried out?
The searches took place in several German cities, including DFB offices and the homes of officials linked to the Euro2024 organization.
Could the investigation affect the holding of Euro2024?
It is still too early to determine the direct impact, but if irregularities are confirmed, the credibility of the tournament and the DFB could be undermined, with possible legal and financial consequences.
What is the DFB's reaction to the investigations?
The entity stated that it was cooperating with the authorities and denied any irregularities, classifying the accusations as unfounded.
Who is conducting the investigation?
The German police, in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor's Office, are investigating suspected corruption involving the DFB and Euro2024.
Is there a relationship between this investigation and the 2015 FIFA scandal?
Although there is no official confirmation of a direct link, the investigation rekindles memories of the FIFA corruption scandal in 2015, which led to the arrest of European football executives and resulted in million-dollar fines for the DFB at the time.
Which Euro2024 sectors are under suspicion?
The investigations focus on contracts and tenders for outsourced services, stadium infrastructure and tournament logistics, with a focus on possible favoritism and diversion of public resources.
