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FIFA judges want 2-year ban for Niersbach in 2006 bid case

GENEVA (AP) FIFA ethics prosecutors have asked for a two-year ban for FIFA Council member Wolfgang Niersbach in an investigation of Germany's 2006 World Cup bid, a probe that threatens to end Franz Beckenbauer's career in soccer.

The judging chamber of the FIFA ethics committee said Friday it has received the final investigation file and opened formal proceedings against Niersbach.

''The investigatory chamber recommends a sanction of a two-year ban from all football-related activity and a fine of 30,000 Swiss francs ($30,300),'' the judging chamber said.

An investigation was opened in March against six German officials including Niersbach, who was elected to the FIFA and UEFA executive committees last year.