FIFA investigating 2006 World Cup bidding process

FIFA's ethics committee has opened an investigation into the bidding process for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Formal proceedings have been opened against six individuals over the awarding of the tournament to Germany, with former World Cup-winning player and coach Franz Beckenbauer one of those being investigated over "possible undue payments".

German football officials Wolfgang Niersbach, Helmut Sandrock, Theo Zwanziger, Horst Schmidt and Stefan Hans are also being looked at by FIFA's watchdog committee.

"In the cases of Messrs Niersbach and Sandrock, the investigatory chamber will investigate a possible failure to report a breach of the FIFA Code of Ethics," read a statement from the world football governing body.

"In the cases of Mr Beckenbauer, Dr Zwanziger, Mr Schmidt and Mr Hans, the investigatory chamber will investigate possible undue payments and contracts to gain an advantage in the 2006 FIFA World Cup host selection and the associated funding."

The chairman of the investigatory chamber, Dr Cornel Borbely, will lead the investigation.