German FA deny doping allegations

THE German Football Association (DFB) yesterday denied reports that players with the West Germany team which won the 1954 World Cup had used performance-enhancing stimulants but said they had received vitamin treatments.

DFB spokesman Harald Stenger said doping allegations against the 1954 side reported by Germany's ARD public television network and repeated on the front page of Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper were completely unfounded.

"The players were treated with glucose and Vitamin C as a means to help them regenerate," Stenger said.