DFB Sues Corrupt Ref

The case, which gets underway in Berlin on Wednesday, Jan. 9, sees the DFB trying to recover 1.8 million euros ($2.2 million) in damages from Hoyzer.

The lion's share of that sum reflects compensation worth 2 million euros paid by the DFB to first-division club Hamburg in compensation for their unfairly losing a 2004 German Cup match Hoyzer officiated.

Hoyzer later admitted to using his refereeing decisions to alter the course of that and one other Cup match and around nine lower-division games. He was sentenced to nearly two and a half years in prison for helping to commit fraud in November 2005.

The match-fixing scandal, which was spearheaded by a Croatian betting mafia in Berlin, was the worst such incident in German soccer in 30 years and dented the credibility of the sport.

Not about the money

Even if the lawsuit is successful, it's highly unlikely that the DFB will be able to recoup the full amount from Hoyzer, who's currently still serving out his sentence.

"It's not about whether we can get the money or not," DFB President Theo Zwanziger said when the suit was filed two years ago. "But it would be irresponsible not to try because the DFB has suffered a huge image and financial loss from Mr. Hoyzer."

It is unclear how long the lawsuit might take, but the Berlin court could render a verdict fairly quickly.

"It could be that we agree on further hearing dates on Wednesday," the court said in a statement. "But it's also possible that a decision or the date for a decision will be announced."

Hoyzer is not required to be in attendance at the trial and will likely be represented by his attorneys.

The DFB has banned Hoyzer from soccer for life.