Franz Beckenbauer banned by FIFA for 90 days

FIFA has banned German legend Franz Beckenbauer from all its activities for “failing to co-operate” with its inquiry into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process.

Franz Beckenbauer had been asked to help with a FIFA ethics investigation led by lawyer Michael Garcia.

The 68-year-old was part of the FIFA executive committee that voted to give the tournament to Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

He has been banned for 90 days.

Franz Beckenbauer captained West Germany to victory as hosts at the 1974 World Cup, and was coach when they next lifted the trophy in Italy 16 years later.

He then managed at Olympique Marseille and Bayern Munich, where he is now honorary president.

FIFA said Franz Beckenbauer ignored “repeated requests” to assist with an independent investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

No details have been given on what Michael Garcia wanted to speak to Franz Beckenbauer about.

In a statement, FIFA said: “The apparent breach relates to Mr. Beckenbauer’s failure to co-operate with an ethics committee investigation despite repeated requests for his assistance.

“The case is now the subject of formal investigation proceedings being conducted by investigatory chamber member Vanessa Allard as chief of the investigation.”