Franz Beckenbauer Refuses to Speak with Public on Allegations

Despite strong public pressure, Franz Beckenbauer announced on Wednesday that he will not speak publicly regarding the recent allegations linking him to disgraced former FIFA official Jack Warner. 

“Franz Beckenbauer is available to speak with the relevant authorities but will not address the issue publicly,” Beckenbauer’s spokesperson  said in a press release on Wednesday

His most recent statement takes place as Beckenbauer was accused of signing a contract promising Warner “various services” four days before the 2000 vote on the host of the 2006 World Cup. Germany won by one vote over South Africa.

Beckenbauer, 70, who is regarded as one Germany’s most revered soccer icons, headed up Germany's organizing committee for the 2006 World Cup finals, the awarding of which has become the subject of a police investigation.

Beckenbauer became honorary president of Bayern Munich in 2009 having been club president from 1994 and he made more than 400 Bundesliga appearances for the Bavarian giants between 1964-77.