Hoeness Steps Down As Bayern President

The former Bayern and German international, and the President of Bayern Munich club, Mr Uli Hoeness (62), has stepped down from his role on Friday, after being sentenced to three and half years prison term for a tax evation on Thursday.

Mr Hoeness who was a World Cup winning player in 1974 and an icon of Bayern Munich as a player was initially charged for tax evation of €3.5m, but in the process of the court proceedings it was discovered that he hid €27.2m from the government in a secret Swiss bank account.

Mr Uli Hoeness

After the verdict, he released a statement in the website of the club which stated, ''After discussion with my family, I have decided to accept the judgement of the District Court of Munich, regarding my tax conviction,'' he wrote.

''I have instructed my lawyers not to appeal. This corresponds to my understanding of decency and personal responsibility.''

''Tax evation was a mistake in my life. The consequences of this error I must implement myself,'' he said.

''In addition, I resign with immediate effect my duties as President and Chairman of Bayern Munich.'' Read also: africanfootie.blogspot.com

 ''I want to avoid causing harm for my club. Bayern Munich's my life's work and will also remain so,'' he added.

Mr Uli Hoeness, played 346 games for Bayern and scored 111 goals. He won three league titles from 1971 to 1974. He also won three European Cup from 1973 to 1976.

He played for Germany for 35 times from 1972 to 1974 and scored 5 goals. Mr Hoeness won European Championship in 1972 and World Cup in 1974 with the national team.