FRANKFURT -- Franz Beckenbauer says it was his mistake to make a payment to FIFA in return for a financial grant to the Germany's 2006 World Cup organizing committee.
In a brief statement published by German media late Monday, Beckenbauer gave little details about the case that has shaken German football.
He reiterated his denial from last week that there was no vote buying before Germany won the bid to stage the World Cup.
Beckenbauer said that "in hindsight" FIFA's request for a payment in return for a grant should have been rejected.
As president of the organizing committee, Beckenbauer said, "I take responsibility for this mistake."
Der Spiegel weekly has alleged that the organizing committee used a slush fund to buy votes for the successful bid.
