German police and prosecutors conducted nationwide raids on July 1, 2026, targeting the German Football Association (DFB) headquarters and city halls of the 10 host cities for UEFA Euro 2024 as part of a corruption investigation [1, 2, 3]. Authorities are investigating the suspected illegal allocation of several thousand tickets and hospitality invitations linked to the tournament, which was held across 10 German cities [1, 2, 3].
The probe centers on allegations that these tickets and hotel stays were given to preferred guests without authorization. German officials suspect a municipal employee from Gelsenkirchen, one of the host cities, received tickets, travel, and hotel benefits valued at approximately €2,400 ($2,736) [1, 2]. This includes "unauthorized advantages," such as admission to an international football match granted by the organizing company to a suspect employed by a host city at the time [1, 2, 3].
Investigators also say host cities were granted exclusive pre-emption rights to purchase tickets by the organizing company, some of which were improperly used and allegedly diverted for personal benefit [3].
The German Football Association and UEFA have yet to release public statements regarding the ongoing investigation [1, 2].
Authorities have not disclosed further details as raids and inquiries continue. The probe is still active, aiming to determine the scope of the suspected corruption and illegal ticket distribution linked to Euro 2024.
