Both European candidates failed when South Korea city Pyeongchang was awarded the 2018 Games in Wednesday’s vote.

The IOC made a clear decision as delegates in Durban, South Africa, awarded the games to Pyeongchang by 63 votes, compared to the 25 given to Germany’s Munich and just seven to France’s Annecy.

Beckenbauer, who captained Germany to the 1974 World Cup title and coached the team which won Italy 1990, was in Durban to support Munich’s bid, but was furious by the IOC’s decision.

According to Beckenbauer, the majority of the 42 Europeans sitting on the IOC voted against the European candidates to support a future candidacy in their own nations.

Traditionally, the IOC never awards consecutive games to the same continent and Beckenbauer accuses some European delegates of protecting their own interests for future bids.

“It’s absolutely scandalous that Europeans do not help other Europeans for completely selfish reasons,” he said. “Forty-two voting Europeans are sitting on the IOC, but only 25 gave their vote to Munich.”

He said Pyeongchang won the first ballot with 63 votes, meaning a majority of Europeans voted against the European candidates.

“Many prefer to think of a future candidacy of their own country and strive not to damage their chances,” Beckenbauer fumed. “They would have rather raised their hand for Korea than for Munich or Annecy. It’s all about self-interest, I think that’s terrible.”

AFP/mry