Topic - The 2006 World Cup

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FILE - In this file photo dated Saturday, May 20, 2017, Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer stands on the pitch prior to the German first division Bundesliga soccer match against SC Freiburg in Munich, Germany. Beckenbauer and other German officials who helped organize the 2006 World Cup were subject to a FIFA ethics investigation opened in 2016, but ethics judges have closed the investigation Thursday Feb. 25, 2021, because a statute of limitations expired. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, FILE)

FIFA ends bribery case against Germany great Beckenbauer

By GRAHAM DUNBAR - Associated Press

FILE - In this June 29, 2006 file photo Franz Beckenbauer, then President of the German Organization Committee of the soccer World Cup briefs the media during a news conference at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Five years into a sprawling investigation of soccer corruption, the first courtroom trial in Switzerland is due to begin Monday, March 9, 2020 in a 2006 World Cup fraud case. Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president, and German soccer great Franz Beckenbauer are listed by Switzerland's federal criminal court to testify in the trial of four soccer officials implicated in a suspect 6.7 million euros ($7.6 million) payment. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file )

Swiss trial in 2006 World Cup case suspended, nears collapse

By GRAHAM DUNBAR - Associated Press

FILE - In this June 29, 2006 file photo, Franz Beckenbauer, then President of the German Organization Committee of the soccer World Cup, briefs the media during a news conference at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Swiss authorities say prosecutors have questioned Germany soccer great Franz Beckenbauer in their ongoing World Cup fraud case. The Swiss attorney general's office said in a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday, March 23, 2017 that federal prosecutors questioned Beckenbauer earlier in the day in Bern, adding that &quot;Beckenbauer was cooperative.&quot; (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file )

Prosecutors question Beckenbauer in World Cup fraud case

Associated Press

Germany to see some familiar faces at World Cup

By NESHA STARCEVIC - Associated Press

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon participates in a team training session at Coverciano training grounds, in Florence, Monday, May 26, 2014. In Brazil, Italy is in Group D with England, Uruguay and Costa Rica. (AP Photo/Fabrizio Giovannozzi)

5 Italy players to watch at the World Cup

By ANDREW DAMPF - Associated Press

Germany to see some familiar faces at World Cup

By NESHA STARCEVIC - Associated Press

FILE - In this Oct. 15, 2013, file photo, Italy's Mario Balotelli lies on the pitch during a 2014 FIFA World Cup, Group B, qualification match between Italy and Armenia in Naples, Italy. Italy's intentions will likely depend on the wavering ways of talented forward Mario Balotelli, whose mood swings often get him into trouble both on and off the field. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

5 Italy players to watch at the World Cup

By ANDREW DAMPF - Associated Press

Column: Ifs and buts about head-butts in soccer

By JOHN LEICESTER - Associated Press