German soccer star Franz Beckenbauer banned by FIFA

Beckenbauer was a voting member of FIFA’s executive committee in December 2010 when it chose Qatar, and Russia as 2018 World Cup host. He said last week that he rejected two attempts by Garcia to speak with him, claiming he was no longer active in football.

Former Germany star Franz Beckenbauer was banned from football for 90 days by FIFA on Friday for not co-operating with an investigation into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.

FIFA said the suspension was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia, making Beckenbauer the first person to be punished as a result of the case.

Beckenbauer refused "repeated requests for his assistance, including requests that he provide information during an in-person interview or in response to written questions provided in both English and German," FIFA said in a statement.

It was unclear whether the FIFA suspension would prevent Beckenbauer — who won the World Cup as both a player and coach — from attending the tournament in Brazil.

FIFA suspensions relating to "any football-related activity, at any level" typically include attending matches and meeting other football officials.

Beckenbauer still holds top-level positions in world football, after serving on FIFA’s board from 2007-11. He joined after leading Germany’s organization of the 2006 World Cup.

He is an adviser to FIFA’s football committee and a global ambassador for German champion Bayern Munich.