German football great Franz Beckenbauer's trial on corruption charges linked to the 2006 World Cup has ended without a verdict after previously being put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The five-year-long trial, held in Switzerland, of 74-year-old Beckenbauer and three other men was suspended because of the health crisis and the statute of limitations has now expired.
Beckenbauer, who headed the organising committee for the 2006 World Cup, had denied the allegations.
FIFA said on Tuesday it was disappointed that the trial would not proceed.
"FIFA is deeply disappointed that the trial related to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 will not take place because it has now become time barred," world football's governing body said in a statement.
"The fact that the case has now ended without a result of any kind is very worrying, not only for football but also for the administration of justice in Switzerland."