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DFB launches investigation into World Cup bribery claims

Following allegations of bribery surrounding world football's showpiece in 2006, the German Football Association has announced an internal investigation

The German Football Association (DFB) has announced an internal investigation into bribery claims surrounding the 2006 World Cup.

A report in Der Spiegel last week alleged that a slush fund – provided by former Adidas chief Robert Louis-Dreyfus – totalling close to $6 million had been established by Germany's World Cup bidding committee, intended to secure votes for the right to host the tournament.

DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach stated on Thursday that the payment in question was made to FIFA upon the suggestion of Franz Beckenbauer, who led the bid committee, in order to secure additional funding for the tournament.