Franz Beckenbauer to be investigated for alleged corruption over 2006 World Cup in Germany
Swiss prosecutors open criminal investigation into German football legend and three others over bid
FRANZ BECKENBAUER faces a criminal investigation in Switzerland over allegations of financial malpractice in Germany's successful 2006 World Cup bid.
The Attorney General of Switzerland named Beckenbauer, the legendary World Cup winner as a player and manager with West Germany, as one of four men who are facing criminal proceedings.
Former German football association presidents Wolfgang Niersbach and Theo Zwanziger are also under investigation
In addition to Beckenbauer, the other three are Former German football association presidents Wolfgang Niersbach and Theo Zwanziger, and former general secretary Horst Rudolf Schmidt.
All four men were members of the Germany World Cup organising committee, with Beckenbauer the president.
The prosecuting statement said: "The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has opened criminal proceedings in connection with the German Football Association (Deutscher Fussball- Bund (DFB)).
"The suspects were members of the executive board of the organising committee for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland opened criminal proceedings on 6 November 2015. The proceedings relate in particular to allegations of fraud, criminal mismanagement, money laundering and misappropriation.
"The suspects in the criminal proceedings are: Horst Rudolf Schmidt. Theo Zwanziger. Franz Beckenbauer. Wolfgang Niersbach."
Beckenbauer had travelled the world to gain support for Germany's bid, which was up against campaigns from England, Brazil, South Africa and Morocco. Brazil withdrew from the bidding days before the final vote was held in July 2000.
Germany beat South Africa by 12 votes to 11 to secure the tournament. Oceania delegate Charlie Dempsey, who has now passed away, was expected to vote for South Africa but abstained at the last minute.
The Attorney General of Switzerland's statement added: "The investigations focus on the joint financing of a gala event, initially at the cost of seven million euros (£5.9million), later reduced to 6.7million euros. It is suspected that the suspects knew that this sum was not being used to fund the gala event, but instead to repay a debt that was not owed by the DFB.