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Banned by FIFA for snubbing Qatar probe, Beckenbauer says he won't go to Brazil for World Cup

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE - The Aug. 1, 2010 file photo shows FIFA president Sepp Blatter and German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer, from left, on the tribune during the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup final soccer match between Germany and Nigeria in Bielefeld, Germany. Beckenbauer has been banned from football duty for 90 days for snubbing an investigation into Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid. FIFA said Friday, June 13, 2014 the 90-day provisional ban was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia. Beckenbauer was a voting member of FIFA's executive committee in December 2010 when it chose Qatar, and Russia as 2018 World Cup host. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) (The Associated Press)

FILE - The July 7, 1974 file photo shows then captain of the German national soccer team Franz Beckenbauer raising the trophy after Germany won the World Cup final in Munich, southern Germany. Beckenbauer has been banned from football duty for 90 days for snubbing an investigation into Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid. FIFA said Friday, June 13, 2014 the 90-day provisional ban was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia. Beckenbauer was a voting member of FIFA's executive committee in December 2010 when it chose Qatar, and Russia as 2018 World Cup host. (AP Photo/file) (The Associated Press)

Franz Beckenbauer won't go to the World Cup in Brazil after being suspended by FIFA for refusing to cooperate with a corruption investigation.

The German football great tells Bild newspaper that "I presume I'm no longer welcome at FIFA."

FIFA also confirms that Beckenbauer, Bayern Munich's global ambassador, is barred from attending matches during his 90-ban.

FIFA's ethics committee suspended Beckenbauer on Friday for declining to help prosecutor Michael Garcia's probe of alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes.s

Beckenbauer was a voter on FIFA's board when it chose Russia and Qatar in December 2010.

FIFA ethics committee member Alan Sullivan says the sanction prevents Beckenbauer "being invited to attend or attending on a private basis any football match in any capacity."