Beckenbauer shocked by match-fixing scandal in Germany

Franz Beckenbauer has called on German authorities to clear up the match-fixing scandal as soon as possible to allow the country to concentrate on preparations for the 2006 World Cup.

"Like all football fans, I'm shocked by these scandalous incidents," Beckenbauer, the president of the World Cup organising committee, said yesterday.

"This acrimonious tale must be relentlessly investigated and cleared up by legal authorities and the German Football Association (DFB) as soon as possible."

German football has been severely rattled by match-rigging revelations centred around referee Robert Hoyzer, and possibly involving other referees, officials and players.

Berlin prosecutors and the DFB are investigating the case, which has overshadowed preparations for the World Cup, 16 months before it kicks off.

"Our World Cup must, and will, keep its positive image," said Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup with Germany as a player and a coach and is now in charge of staging the tournament.

"We in the organising committee find ourselves on the finishing straight. We must concentrate on perfecting World Cup preparations."

Hoyzer has admitted fixing matches and incriminated three other referees, according to the DFB. They and the police are investigating whether those referees, and as many as 14 players from lower league clubs, were involved.

"I cannot anticipate the investigation but my personal opinion is that there must be the toughest sanctions for those proven to be guilty," Beckenbauer said.