Sepp Blatter Denies Knowledge of Key Details in 2006 FIFA World Cup Scandal

The former FIFA president testified in a German court, claiming the organization merely facilitated financial transactions without probing their purpose.

• Sepp Blatter, former FIFA president, testified via video in the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities surrounding Germany's hosting of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
• Blatter repeatedly stated that FIFA acted as a financial intermediary, transferring funds at the request of the German Football Association (DFB) without questioning their intent.
• The case focuses on a payment of 6.7 million euros, initially described as funding for a gala event that was later canceled, but ultimately linked to questionable financial dealings involving Franz Beckenbauer and Mohamed bin Hammam.
• Blatter denied recalling a pivotal 2001 meeting with Beckenbauer, where the payment arrangement was reportedly discussed, and claimed no knowledge of Bin Hammam's involvement.
• The German Football Association is also under scrutiny for misclassifying the payment as a business expense in 2006, allegedly resulting in significant tax evasion.

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