Volkswacht Bodensee - German FA headquarters searched in Euro 2024 graft probe

The case centres on allegations that employees of cities in Germany, which hosted the competition, were illegally invited to matches and received tickets on preferential terms from the organisers, police and prosecutors said.

The DFB football association confirmed its Frankfurt headquarters were searched.

Officials did not say which other places were targeted but the Bild tabloid reported that several city administrations, including in Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich, were raided as well as companies.

"The subject of the investigation is unauthorised benefits that were allegedly granted, including in the form of attendance at an international football match," police and prosecutors in North Rhine-Westphalia state said in a statement.

A suspect working for a host city is accused of receiving these benefits "from persons responsible at the organising company," it said.

"In addition, the host cities are said to have been offered exclusive pre-purchase rights for tickets by those responsible at the organising company."

Euro 2024 took place in cities across Germany in June and July 2024.

The news of the probe came two days after four-time champions Germany suffered a shock exit at the World Cup, eliminated on penalties by minnows Paraguay.

H.Gerber--VB