Lothar Matthäus

After Germany's surprise elimination from the 2026 World Cup, Matthäus claimed that tensions and logistics surrounding players' families had contributed to distracting the team, prompting significant debate over players' private lives and the coaching staff's responsibility.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

After Matthäus suggested a very high valuation for Nick Woltemade, Uli Hoeneß publicly attacked him, saying, among other things, that he did not 'have all his cups in the cupboard'. Matthäus replied that he no longer took Hoeneß's insults seriously.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During the World Cup in Russia, Matthäus met Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and made warm remarks about Russia, prompting criticism in Germany of the political use of a former football star.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Matthäus took part in a gala match in Grozny involving Ramzan Kadyrov, who was facing strong criticism over human rights abuses in Chechnya. The event was condemned as a propaganda operation. Media outlets also reported substantial payments to the former stars.

Attribution

Political responsibility

The Bulgarian federation ended Matthäus's tenure following a poor qualifying campaign and criticism of the atmosphere surrounding the national team. The episode intensified questions about his coaching career.

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Red Bull Salzburg dismissed Matthäus despite winning the Austrian league title, explaining that it wanted greater calm and harmony and citing differences over sporting direction.

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Matthäus's tenure as Hungary manager was marked by criticism of his selections, tensions with club coaches and media allegations concerning his relationships with certain players and transfers. The controversy contributed to strong polarisation around his tenure.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Following his farewell match, a dispute arose between Matthäus and Bayern over proceeds and funds intended for charities. Matthäus eventually paid approximately 307 200 euros to the beneficiary organisations while pursuing separate litigation over the match accounts.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

During a friendly between Matthäus's Partizan Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb in Kriens, an altercation on the bench escalated into a mass brawl and the match was abandoned. Reports accused Matthäus of increasing tensions through insults directed at the opposing bench.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Matthäus became embroiled in a public conflict with Jürgen Klinsmann and published a 'secret diary' containing internal details about Bayern. The disclosure deeply upset the dressing room and was linked to his loss of the captaincy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Early in his career, Matthäus had a car accident in which a blood alcohol level of 2,06 ‰ was reported. The incident has frequently been revisited in retrospectives of his career and turbulent early years.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated