FRANKFURT - The German football authorities have labelled as "unbelievable" raids by the country's office of fair trading as part of an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices.
The Bundeskartellamt seized several items to be used in an investigation into the German Football Association (DFB) and German Football League (DFL), who are suspected of creating a working group to limit competition between themselves and clubs over sponsorship.
Both the DFB and the DFL were quick to deny any wrongdoing, releasing statements labelling Tuesday's raids "out of proportion".
"This action is unbelievable for all of us," explained DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach.
"We have always worked correctly and fairly with the authorities, which was one of the particular secrets of the success of the 2006 World Cup, so there is absolutely no reason to hide anything.
"Had the Bundeskartellamt contacted us directly, they would have received a straight answer with all the necessary documents they required."
He added: "We do not know of the slightest suspicion of incorrect behaviour on our behalf. This raid is a sad example of how a basis of trust can be destroyed between ourselves and the authorities."
