German police raid DFB headquarters in Euro 2024 ticket corruption probe
German investigators searched the DFB's Frankfurt headquarters and city administrations nationwide on Wednesday over suspected illegal ticket and hospitality allocations during the Euro 2024 tournament.
Police and prosecutors carried out a sweeping operation targeting the German Football Association (DFB) and several host city authorities in connection with possible corruption during the 2024 European Championship. The raids, launched early Wednesday, involved more than 150 officers and mark a new chapter in the aftermath of the tournament.
The raid
Officers from the State Criminal Police Office of North Rhine-Westphalia (LKA NRW), supported by local police, searched the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt am Main as well as town halls and city administrations once used as tournament venues. The operation is being led by the Bochum public prosecutor's office.
The investigations concern allegedly granted, unauthorised benefits, including a visit to a football international match, which one accused, then working for a host city, is said to have received from those responsible at the organising company.
The DFB confirmed the search but declined to comment further, citing ongoing proceedings.
The allegations
Investigators suspect a pattern of "structured granting of benefits" that may amount to bribery. The probe centres on two individuals, a 66-year-old German and a 46-year-old French national. According to Bild, the duo may have illegally distributed thousands of tickets and hotel invitations to preferred guests before the home tournament.
One specific incident cited concerns a ticket for the Spain-France semi-final in Munich. The German national is alleged to have been invited to that match, with travel, hotel and the ticket itself provided; Bild estimated the financial advantage at 2,400 euros.
Additionally, host cities were offered exclusive pre-purchase rights for tickets, which were partially taken up and used in various ways.
Host city involvement
The tournament was organised by EURO 2024 GmbH, a joint venture between the DFB and UEFA, based in Frankfurt. City administrations of the ten host venues are among those under investigation. The suspicion is that some staff received free tickets or hospitality without proper authorisation, while exclusive pre-sale ticket allotments may have been handled improperly.
Next steps
Authorities stressed that the accused have not yet had the opportunity to respond to the allegations and that the presumption of innocence applies. The investigation is ongoing and further details may emerge as the searches continue.
