January 24 – German prosecutors have searched tax offices in Bavaria as part of the probe into Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness who last year caused a sensation when he admitted publicly that he had millions of euros in a Swiss bank account that he had not declared.
But they appeared to be acting on a criminal complaint filed by Hoeness himself.
German reports suggested that prosecutors suspect officials of leaking confidential information about Hoeness’s tax records to journalists, a crime that could carry a prison sentence of up to five years.
The searches were apparently meant to determine who had access to Hoeness’ tax file and how media got hold of the relevant documents.
The 1974 World Cup winner, who reports say has already paid back €3.2m, was arrested by police last March during a search of his home.
Hoeness, who has spent more than 40 years at Bayern as a player, manager and now president, is due to go on trial for tax evasion in March.
He has received huge backing from his club, the reigning Champions League holders whose board has refused to accept his offer to step down.
In November, at the club’s annual general meeting, Bayern posted its best financial results in 113 years. Hoeness broke down in tears after he was greeted with chants of “Uli, Uli” and received several standing ovations.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734849594labto1734849594ofdlr1734849594owedi1734849594sni@w1734849594ahsra1734849594w.wer1734849594dna1734849594