Hoeness Accepts Prison Sentence and Steps Down as Bayern Munich President

Uli Hoeness has decided he will not appeal his three and a half year prison sentence for tax evasion and has stepped down as President of Bayern Munich.

Hoeness was accused of evading in excess of €27m ($37.5m) by the prosecutors, who had aimed for a five year sentence.

There were reports that Hoeness would appeal the decision but he has in fact decided to accept his punishment and step down as President of Bayern Munich.

In an official statement on Bayern’s website, Hoeness said: “After discussions with my family, I have decided to accept the decision of the Munich state prosecutors regarding my tax issues.

“I have asked my solicitors not to appeal the decision. That reflects my views on decency, conduct and personal responsibility.

“Tax evasion was the biggest mistake of my life and I will face up to the consequences of this mistake.

“I will also be resigning from my position of president of Bayern Munich. By doing this, I would like to prevent any damage to my club.

“Bayern Munich are my lifetime’s work and they will remain such. I will remain attached to this amazing club and its people in a different way for as long as I live.

“I would like to thank all my personal friends and the supporters of Bayern Munich from the bottom of my heart for their support.”

Hoeness, a former West German international and a Bayern Munich player, handed himself in a confessed to evading €18.5m ($25.6m) by hiding them through various Swiss bank accounts.

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