The district court condemned Eike Immel, a long-time Bundesliga custodian, to jail. The 64-year-old, who made 19 appearances for the German national football team, is accused of over 100 instances of fraud.
The Marburg District Court condemned Eike Immel, a former Bundesliga goalkeeper, to two years and two months in jail without parole for fraud.
The public prosecutor charged the 19-time national team player with commercial fraud. The total damages exceed €34,000. The public prosecutor sought three years in jail, while the defence argued for an acquittal.
The judge stated in her decision, “We found all witnesses to be quite credible. Probation is not an issue in this sentencing.”
The 64-year-old is alleged to have repeatedly borrowed money from various people but never repaid it. The case involves over 100 offenses. He allegedly claimed to his creditors that he was “currently in a financial tight spot.” Immel is also alleged to have sold tickets to a Euro 2024 football match. He kept the money but never handed over any tickets in return.
Among the alleged victims is the partner of the now-deceased former soccer world champion Andreas Brehme. Immel allegedly defrauded management consultant Michael Lampel, who testified as a witness, of €15,290.
The defendant made no comments during the trial. His defence counsel indicated that his client felt humiliated. He wasn’t a professional fraudster, but rather a failed soccer player: “He lives hand to mouth. This truth has been widely recognised for years.” He said he was willing to reimburse the money.
Immel had already appeared before the Marburg District Court for fraud in 2008. He was sentenced to a €5,200 fine. He had borrowed €15,000 from a retiree and never paid it back.
Immel was one of Germany’s most renowned goalkeepers of his generation, making his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund at the age of 17 as the youngest goalkeeper. He joined VfB Stuttgart in 1986 and played 534 Bundesliga appearances.
He competed in two World Cups (1982, 1986) and two European Championships (1980, 1988), winning the German championship with VfB Stuttgart in 1992. His playing career ended in 1997.
Source: BILD | Follow Europeans24 for more news updates!
