/ 10 November 2013

Bayern’s Hoeness sees no reason to resign as he faces trial

Bayern's Hoeness Sees No Reason To Resign As He Faces Trial

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness said Sunday he sees no reason to resign from his position despite his looming trial next March for alleged tax evasion.

"Why should I?" the 61-year-old told German broadcaster ZDF.

"There has never been a reason, as I have the full support of the fans, the members and the advisory board."

Hoeness said he had "not yet found anyone within the club" who had asked him to resign.

"There were only a few journalists, who obviously didn't like the idea that the club and its president could stand together as one," he added.

Hoeness, who is accused of hidings millions of euros from tax authorities in a Swiss account, is due to go on trial at Munich's higher regional court on March 10.

The former 1974 World Cup winner with West Germany has said he would work tirelessly to convince the court of his innocence, having spent more than 40 years at the Bavarian giants.

Despite widespread criticism, Hoeness' initial offer to resign in May was rejected by the club's supervisory board.

In a statement earlier this month, the club said an independent inquiry by legal experts has advised the Bayern board that it does not have to request Hoeness' resignation from a legal point of view. – Sapa-AFP