Investigators raided the German Football Association (DFB) headquarters in Frankfurt and other locations across the country on July 1, 2026, as part of a corruption investigation linked to the Euro 2024 tournament. The probe centers on allegations that employees of host cities were illegally invited to matches and received tickets on preferential terms from the organizers.
Details of the Raids
The DFB confirmed that its Frankfurt headquarters were searched. Officials did not specify which other locations were targeted, but the Bild tabloid reported that several city administrations, including Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Munich, as well as companies, were raided. The investigation is being conducted by police and prosecutors in North Rhine-Westphalia state.
Allegations of Unauthorized Benefits
According to a statement from the authorities, “The subject of the investigation is unauthorized benefits that were allegedly granted, including in the form of attendance at an international football match.” A suspect working for a host city is accused of receiving these benefits from individuals responsible at the organizing company. Additionally, host cities were allegedly offered exclusive pre-purchase rights for tickets by those responsible at the organizing company.
Context and Timing
Euro 2024 took place across German cities in June and July 2024. The news of the probe emerged two days after Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, suffered a shock exit from the World Cup, losing to Paraguay on penalties.
