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A Stain on the Soul of German Soccer

October 17, 2005

The match-rigging affair exposed at the beginning of 2005 is the worst scandal to hit German soccer for 30 years. As the World Cup approaches, DW-WORLD documents the story which could seriously embarrass the hosts.

https://p.dw.com/p/7Jj3

It was the scandal that dulled the shine on Germany’s successful campaign to host the 2006 World Cup.

Shamed Bundesliga referee Robert Hoyzer and his alleged cohorts were revealed in 2005 as the instigators and practioners of Germany’s biggest sporting embarrassment; a scandal involving crooked match officials, greedy and corrupt players and a network of gangsters which stretched from Germany to Turkey and beyond.

The affair told the story of games thrown for money, a widespread illegal betting cartel and the threats and intimidation that went with instigating a match-rigging operation which threatened to undermine the very structure of soccer in Germany.

DW-WORLD documents the story of Germany's worst sporting scandal in 30 years in this special dossier.

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Reports & Analysis

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Bent German Referee Admits Match-Rigging

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Former Dortmund Player Admits to Bribe

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Scandal Deals Blow to German Soccer

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February 15, 2005

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German Soccer Scandal Envelops Players

It now appears that disgraced referee Robert Hoyzer's match-rigging is the tip of the iceberg in the German soccer scandal. Revelations on Monday named players accused of receiving cash incentives in disputed games.
February 1, 2005

Betting Scandal Spreads Abroad

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Referee Scandal Rears its Ugly Head

In April, German soccer officials quietly put the referee scandal involving Robert Hoyzer to rest. But manipulation accusations have risen again, this time involving another ref.
May 26, 2005

Disgraced German Referee Arrested

Disgraced German soccer referee Robert Hoyzer, who has admitted accepting bribes to manipulate matches, was arrested by police on Saturday amid fears that he would try to flee the country.
February 12, 2005

Key Man in Match Rigging Scandal Released

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