German FA president Grindel resigns

BERLIN -- The president of the German football association (DFB) Reinhard Grindel has resigned after allegations of undeclared earnings, the DFB have confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday.

The 57-year-old president stepped down from his position after having accepted a €6.000 watch from his Ukrainian colleague Grigory Surkis, who is also an UEFA Executive Committee member.

"With respect and understanding I take note of Reinhard Grindel's resignation," DFB vice president Reinhard Rauball said. "The pressure on his person has increased steadily on different levels in recent weeks. It is therefore in the spirit of the German football to ensure a new start."

For now, the DFB vice presidents Rainer Koch and Reinhard Rauball would take the reins on an interim basis until September.

"I am deeply shaken to have to give up my role as DFB president over such an issue," Grindel said. "I apologize for my little exemplary action of accepting the watch. Mr. Surkis had no economic interests in connection with the DFB. He never asked for any help before and after."

After taking the helm in 2016, Grindel promised a greater transparency but after having accepted the undeclared gift he will go down as the president with the shortest tenure in 114 years of the DFB history.