German football association investigating payment to FIFA

AP , Friday 16 Oct 2015

German
File Photo: Cool, calm and collective: There is a team spirit within the German national set-up that is more akin to club football, something that England have often tried to replicate with minimal success (Reuters)

The German football federation says it is investigating whether a multi-million-euro payment it made to FIFA in 2005 was misused.

The DFB said Friday it had paid 6.7 million euros to FIFA in April 2005 for the world governing body's ''Cultural Program.''

The DFB says it has ''become aware'' that the funds may not have ''been used for their intended purpose.'' It did not elaborate.

The federation says attorneys are now conducting an internal investigation to determine whether the DFB may be entitled to have the funds returned.

The information came up during DFB's investigation of its relationship with FIFA, and Germany's award of the 2006 World Cup.

The DFB says it has found ''no evidence of irregularities'' and also no ''evidence delegates' votes were purchased as part of the application process.''

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