Beckenbauer gutted over Munich snub

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has accused European members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of voting against Munich and Annecy’s 2018 Winter Olympic bids in order to further their own interests.

Both European candidates failed when South Korea city Pyeongchang was awarded the 2018 Games in Wednesday’s vote.

The IOC made a clear decision as delegates in Durban, South Africa, awarded the games to Pyeongchang by 63 votes, compared to the 25 given to Germany’s Munich and just seven to France’s Annecy.

Beckenbauer was in Durban to support Munich’s bid, but was furious by the IOC’s decision.

According to Beckenbauer, the majority of the 42 Europeans sitting on the IOC voted against the European candidates to support a future candidacy in their own nations.

“It’s absolutely scandalous that Europeans do not help other Europeans for completely selfish reasons,” he said.

“Forty two voting Europeans are sitting on the IOC, but only 25 gave their vote to Munich.

“Pyeongchang won the first ballot with 63 votes, that means that a majority of Europeans voted against the European candidates.

“Many prefer to think of a future candidacy of their own country and strive not to damage their chances.

“It’s all about self-interest, I think that’s terrible.”