German denies drug abuse before 1954World Cup final

HORST ECKEL, a member of West Germany’s 1954 World Cup winning team, insisted yesterday he had received one glucose injection during the tournament but it was not before the final against Hungary.

Eckel, 72, said reports that the team had used performance-enhancing stimulants were absurd and attacked those he said were trying to spoil the legacy of the side that came from two goals down to upset Hungary 3-2.

The German Football Association (DFB) has denied reports by the ARD TV network that players had used performance-enhancing drugs but the DFB has acknowledged they received glucose and vitamin C treatments.

Walter Broennimann, a former groundsman at the stadium in Berne, Switzerland, where the final was played, said he was told to keep quiet after finding used vials in the drains of the dressing room.