Report: Germany paid out bribes to host 2006 World Cup

BERLIN

Germany paid 6.7 million euros in bribes to secure the 2006 World Cup, weekly Der Spiegel claimed on Friday.

Germany’s application committee paid out bribes in 2000 to four Asian members of the FIFA, the weekly reported.

The slush fund was set up through money lent to the committee by then Adidas boss Robert Louis-Dreyfus, according to the report.

The German Football Federation, or DFB, dismissed the allegations in a written statement on Friday.

“After thorough examination and auditing, the DFB have found no evidence of any irregularities. Furthermore, there is no evidence that any of the delegates’ votes were won illegally at any stage in the application process,” the statement said.

Germany’s Justice Minister Heiko Maas demanded an inquiry into the allegations.

“The allegations should be fully investigated. Football fans have a right to expect that,” he tweeted.

Germany won in July 2000 the bid to host the 2006 World Cup against South Africa by 12 votes to 11.