DURBAN, South Africa (AP) — Munich has called in German soccer great Franz Beckenbauer for its final push to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Munich Bid Committee Chair Katarina Witt says Beckenbauer will arrive in Durban on Tuesday, a day before IOC members vote on whether Munich; Annecy, France; or Pyeongchang, South Korea will stage the games.
Two-time Olympic champion figure skater Witt calls Beckenbauer’s appearance in South Africa “a little surprise” and says the team is “very happy that he is joining us and will be here to support us.”
Witt adds the Bavarian capital has “great momentum going on” for the last three days of lobbying before the IOC decides if Germany will get its first Winter Olympics since 1936.
