Hoeness accepts conviction, quits as Bayern Munich boss
‘Tax evasion was the mistake of my life’, says president of German giants
Uli Hoeness will not appeal against his prison sentence for tax evasion, and said on Friday that he would quit as president of Bayern Munich to prevent damage to the European champions.
Hoeness, one of the most prominent figures in German soccer, was convicted on Thursday of evading millions of euros in tax through an undeclared bank account and sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.
The verdict drew a largely positive response in a country where tax evasion is deeply and increasingly frowned on.
I will remain linked with this great club and its people in other ways as long as I live
Hoeness’ lawyer initially said he would file an appeal.
However, Hoeness said on Bayern’s website on Friday that he decided after talking with his family to accept the verdict.
“This corresponds with my personal understanding of decency, attitude and personal responsibility,” he wrote. “Tax evasion was the mistake of my life. I am facing up to the consequences of this mistake.”
Hoeness said he was stepping down immediately as club president and as the chairman of Bayern’s supervisory board. He said he wanted “to prevent damage to my club”.
“Bayern Munich is my life’s work and it will always remain so,” he said. “I will remain linked with this great club and its people in other ways as long as I live.”