Temperatures Rising in the Summer Fairy Tale Trial: DFB's Fate on the Line Before Verdict
Prior to the pleas in the summer fairy trial.
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The end game is nearly here: Will the DFB face conviction in the Summer Fairy Tale case that's been brewing since 2006? Prepare for a showdown as prosecution and defense square off just before the closing arguments.
The courtroom has been anything but amicable: The latest rounds in the Summer Fairy Tale trial hint at a fiery climax, with DFB's defense and prosecution firing barbs back and forth. The trial, which kicked off in March 2024, is set to wrap up with closing arguments on June 23, followed by a verdict on June 25. The German Football Association must brace for a possible fine in this long-standing tax-related saga.
The DFB stands accused of tax evasion, with the prosecution alleging that the association dodged around 2.7 million euros. The defense has aggressively refuted these claims. With Judge Eva-Marie Distler's stern statements leaning towards evidence of tax evasion, the case seems to be stacked against the DFB.
Court Upholds Bribe Payment Claims
However, the initial three defendants—Theo Zwanziger, Wolfgang Niersbach, and Horst R. Schmidt—are no longer part of the proceedings. Their trials were suspended following payment of fines.
For the court, the mystery behind the 6.7 million euros in undisclosed expenses—claimed as costs for a never-held World Cup gala—has already been unraveled. Judge Distler believes that this sum was part of a corruption scheme initiated by World Cup chief Franz Beckenbauer as payoff to FIFA finance commission members like Mohamed bin Hammam, in exchange for securing the 170 million euro World Cup grant.
The money transfers unfolded thus: In 2005, the German organizing committee (OK) funneled funds through FIFA to Adidas CEO Robert Louis-Dreyfus. At that time, Louis-Dreyfus had previously given the same amount as advances to Bin Hammam for Qatar. The DFB had declared these funds as operating expenses for 2006.
The association's tax-exempt status was subsequently revoked, and the DFB had to cough up 22 million euros in back taxes. The association is fighting for the reimbursement of these payments in the Finance Court of Kassel, with the verdict of the Frankfurt am Main Regional Court pivotal to their case. To secure damages in case of a verdict against Zwanziger and others, the DFB has filed a lawsuit against their former executive.
Stay tuned as this unfolding drama culminates over the next few days. Will justice prevail, or will the DFB elude conviction? The judgment day is just around the corner. For updated news and developments, keep a close eye on the proceedings.
- In light of the ongoing trial, it's crucial for the German Football Association (DFB) to be aware of not only the community policy but also the employment policy, as the organization may face consequences due to the tax-related saga and potential fine.
- The 'general-news' section might provide updates on the Summer Fairy Tale trial, which has implications in the realm of 'crime-and-justice', as the DFB stands accused of tax evasion and bribe payments that could link to wider corruption in international football, such as the Champions League and European leagues.
- As the trial progresses, sports enthusiasts, particularly those interested in 'football', might find updates on the Summer Fairy Tale case relevant, as outcomes could have implications for the management and governance of football organizations worldwide.
