German Authorities Investigate Alleged Corruption Linked to UEFA EURO 2024

German law enforcement authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into alleged corruption linked to the organisation of UEFA EURO 2024, resulting in coordinated searches at multiple locations across Germany, including the headquarters of the German Football Association (DFB). The investigation concerns allegations relating to the acceptance and granting of undue advantages in connection with the tournament’s ticketing and hospitality arrangements.

On 1 July 2026, the Bochum Public Prosecutor’s Office and the North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office (LKA NRW) issued a joint press release confirming that investigators had conducted searches at several locations across Germany to gather evidence in an ongoing criminal investigation.

The investigation concerns allegations that a suspect who was employed by one of the UEFA EURO 2024 host cities received undue advantages, including attendance at an international football match, from persons responsible for the tournament’s organising company. The authorities are also examining allegations that officials of the organising company offered host cities exclusive pre-emption rights for match tickets, some of which were exercised and subsequently used in different ways.

The authorities stated that the searches were undertaken to further investigate the allegations. The press release also emphasised that the accused persons have not yet been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and that the presumption of innocence applies.

According to news reports, the investigation was done at the DFB campus, along with several municipal administrative that were connected to the probe. More than 150 law enforcement officers participated in the coordinated operation. In an emailed statement, DFB stated that the investigation did not concern its employees or officials, and it was only involved as a witness and is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities. Further news reports mention that searches were also conducted in host cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Gelsenkirchen.

Media reports further state that an examination is underway into whether tournament tickets, hospitality packages, travel, and hotel accommodations were improperly provided to public officials and other preferred recipients. There are allegations that thousands of match tickets may have been improperly allocated through internal distribution mechanisms before the tournament.

The investigation concerns allegations relating to the acceptance and granting of undue advantages. Under the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch – StGB), the acceptance and granting of benefits to public officials are governed by Sections 331 and 333, while more serious offences involving bribery are covered under Sections 332 and 334.