Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness resigns
Uli Hoeness resigns from his post
Jail bound Bayern Munich president has resigned from his post. He was also the board chairman of the German club.
BBC quoted Uli Hoeness: “Tax evasion was the mistake of my life. I will face the consequences of this error.”
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness announces he will step down and not appeal his three-and-a-half year jail sentence for tax evasion.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 14, 2014
On Thursday, a court in Munich sentenced Hoeness, 62, to three and a half years in jail for major tax fraud in a trial that captured the attention of German football.
He was released on a suspended arrest warrant pending a possible appeal.
The Bayern president had admitted that he was guilty of hiding his wealth in secret Swiss bank accounts while obsessively “gambling” on stock and currency markets for years.
The court found he had cheated the state to the tune of 28.5 million euros ($A44.12 million).
Hoeness further said: “After discussions with my family, I have decided to accept the judgement of the District Court of Munich regarding my tax matter.
“I have instructed my lawyers not to appeal. This corresponds to my understanding of decency, conduct and personal responsibility.
“In addition, I resign with immediate effect from the offices of president of Bayern Munich and chairman of the supervisory board of Bayern Munich. I want to avert harm from my club.
“Bayern Munich is my life’s work and always will be.
“I will stay committed to this great club and its people as long as I live.”
The club and their top sponsors and shareholders – including Audi, Adidas, VW, Allianz and Deutsche Telekom have chosen to remain silent after the verdict.
Personal statement of Uli in the official club website read: “After discussions with my family I have decided to accept the ruling of the Munich court on my tax affairs.
“This befits my understanding of decency, dignity and personal responsibility. Tax evasion was the biggest mistake of my life.
“Bayern Munich is my life’s work and will also remain so. My personal friends and supporters of FC Bayern Munich, I thank you from my heart for your support.”