Fifa investigators have recommended a two-year ban for former German Football Federation (DFB) chief Wolfgang Niersbach.
Disciplinary proceedings were opened against Niersbach for his part in the 2006 World Cup vote-buying scandal. He quit as DFB president in November over the Germany 2006 €6.7 million payment to Fifa alleged to have been used to bribe voters, but has denied any wrongdoing.
Despite the allegations, Niersbach will remain on the Fifa Council and Uefa Executive Committee pending the outcome of the proceedings and a possible appeal against any sanctions
“Mr Niersbach will be invited to submit his position including any evidence with regard to the final report of the investigatory chamber and may request a hearing,” Fifa said on Friday.
In March, FIFA’s ethics committee launched a probe into the cash-for-votes scandal, opening formal proceedings against six individuals including Niersbach and Germany 2006 president and former FIFA ExCo official Franz Beckenbauer.
FIFA said it was investigating Niersbach about a possible failure to report a breach of the Fifa Code of Ethics by other officials.
