UEFA opens internal probe into Bayern allegations

European football’s governing body said Thursday that it had opened an internal inquiry following reported remarks by a UEFA official allegedly suggesting corruption at German giants Bayern Munich.

UEFA President Michel Platini and Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge “discussed recent events that have been covered in the news media and agreed on the need to have absolute clarity on the matter,” at a meeting on Thursday, UEFA said in a statement.

Bayern Munich started legal action in Germany against UEFA disciplinary chief Peter Limacher on Wednesday, bitterly denying the allegations reported by German weekly Stern and said the comments were “totally untrue and slanderous”.

UEFA said that its officials and Bayern had held “an open and constructive conversation.”

“It was mentioned that, in the light of the recent press coverage, UEFA understands the reasons for the reaction of FC Bayern Munich.”

“FC Bayern Munich has been informed that, in order to clarify the case, UEFA has already opened an internal investigation into the whole matter,” the statement added.

Limacher, head of UEFA’s disciplinary committee, denied in the German press on Thursday that he has made the remarks.

In an article in German weekly magazine Stern, Limacher and a colleague, Robin Boksic, suggested Bayern had been bribed to lose their UEFA Cup semi-final to Zenit St Petersburg in May 2008.

UEFA officials have declined to comment.