According to German media reports, Franz Beckenbauer received 5.5 million euros ($6.2 million) as organizing committee chief for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The football legend had said he worked voluntarily. German magazine "Der Spiegel" and daily newspaper "Bild" reported on Wednesday that Beckenbauer, who stated he would work on an honorary basis when he took the job in 2000, was paid 5.5 million euros ($6.2 million) as part of an agreement between betting company Oddset and the German soccer federation DFB. The former World Cup winning coach and player appeared in commercials for Oddset, one of six FIFA World Cup sponsors, during the competition in Germany ten years ago. Beckenbauer reportedly received the money in installments during the period 2005 to 2006, while the DFB didn't pay the tax of more than 1 million euros on the payments until 2010. A year later, Beckenbauer reimbursed the DFB for the tax payment. Ongoing saga Beckenbauer is already under investigation by Swiss authorities, who opened criminal proceedings against him and two former DFB presidents in connection with its successful bid for that World Cup. The Attorney General's office (OAG) said they were investigating allegations of fraud, criminal mismanagement, money laundering and misappropriation. The DFB had earlier commissioned a report into alleged irregularities over the awarding of the 2006 World Cup. The March report said that, while there was no evidence of Germany paying FIFA members in return for votes, payments were made to at least one former FIFA official. These were made through various accounts involving other firms or individuals, including Beckenbauer. Beckenbauer, who captained the West Germany team that won the 1974 World Cup and was coach when they won in 1990, has denied wrongdoing. ksb/blc (Reuters, dpa)
