President of the German Football Association Wolfgang Niersbach has resigned amid corruption allegations surrounding the 2006 World Cup.
The departure of Niersbach was confirmed this afternoon following the organisation's extraordinary meeting in Frankfurt.
The news comes after it was alleged that a €6.7m (£4.7m) payment was made to world governing body FIFA to buy votes of four of the Asian members of the executive committee to secure the right to host the tournament nine years ago.
Last week, police raided the offices of the German FA headquarters in Frankfurt in relation to alleged tax evasion.
Niersbach, who has denied any wrongdoing, has now stepped down from his post.
In a statement, Niersbach said: "I was there from the first day of the bid for the 2006 World Cup, all the way to the final documentation of that summer fairy tale, and have worked all these years and at all times not only with great passion but always cleanly, confidently and correctly. I can say with a clear conscience that I have absolutely nothing to be personally reproached for.
"It is more depressing and painful for me to be faced with procedures nine years later over a time when I was not involved. I make it clear once again, unequivocally, that I had no knowledge of the background of the cash flows.
"To protect the DFB and the office, I step down with a heavy heart as DFB president. Nevertheless, I will contribute anything for a comprehensive explanation of the processes."
Many of FIFA's leading figures are under investigation over widespread corruption allegations.
Danielle Joynson
