Embattled Bayern Munich President ULI HOENEß "has refused to comment on an ongoing tax evasion probe involving a Swiss bank account but plans to defend himself against what he said were 'excesses in some media coverage' of the high-profile case," according to Karolos Grohmann of REUTERS. Hoeneß said that "he would let the dust settle before discussing the issue." He said, "I will let a few weeks go by before I say anything. But I will legally defend myself against the excesses in some media coverage. It will be really expensive for them." The prosecutor's office in Munich "confirmed the probe, which has made the front pages in the media across the country for the past two days and triggered mixed reactions from politicians across all major parties" (REUTERS, 4/22). BILD reported Hoeneß "will attend Tuesday's Champions League semifinal between his Bayern and FC Barcelona." He said, "I will be back in the stadium against Barcelona." Hoeneß's tax evasion probe "is a sensitive topic at the club," which explains why club spokesperson MARKUS HÖRWICK said before Monday's press conference, "One question about Hoeneß -- and we cancel the press conference." Former Bayern striker LUKAS PODOLSKI is on the side of his former boss. The Arsenal player said on his Facebook page: "I think it's not okay that many judge so early about a person who does and did so many good things for others and historic clubs. We all make mistakes, just as I do and also you do!" (BILD, 4/22).
