From penalty-killer to defendant
He was one of Germany's best-known goalkeepers, kept goal in 19 international matches and stood between the posts for clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart. Now Eike Immel, 64, has landed in a completely different "box" - behind bars. The Marburg district court sentenced him to two years and two months in prison for 107 counts of fraud. According to the indictment, Immel repeatedly borrowed money from friends, acquaintances and business partners and then never paid it back. The total loss: 34,340 euros.
The scam - small amounts, large sums
According to the court, the fraud game went on for years. Sometimes it was 50 euros, sometimes several hundred. Immel repeatedly explained that his bank card had not yet arrived or that he had lost his wallet. He also offered tickets for a European Championship match, collected the money - and never delivered.
Among the injured parties is the partner of the deceased world champion Andreas Brehme. Immel is said to have borrowed money from her 65 times - a total of 18,020 euros. Brehme himself testified in 2022: "He often asked for money, around 20,000 euros. Until we said at some point: Not anymore."
Victims tell - and the accused remains silent
During the trial, management consultant Michael Lampel said that he had given Immel money 39 times - a total of 15,290 euros. Always with a new story as to why the money was urgently needed. "In my industry, it's nothing unusual to make advance payments," said Lampel.
Immel himself did not comment in court. His lawyer explained: "Mr. Immel is very ashamed of what is being negotiated here in the courtroom today." The former goalkeeper has been living "from hand to mouth" for years and is "not a commercial fraudster, but a failed former footballer".
"We found all the witnesses to be extremely credible. With this sentence, the question of probation does not arise," said the judge at the sentencing. At 8.53 a.m. sharp, Immel appeared in a sporty outfit, looking nervous. The verdict was handed down at 3.06 p.m. - he took it calmly, but left the courtroom quickly and without saying a word. The verdict is not yet final.
Compassion is no substitute for responsibility - especially not in court
This is not just about an ex-professional who has stumbled - this is about trust. Anyone who "lends" money in the same way in 107 cases and never pays it back should not be surprised if the gloves are swapped for handcuffs in the end. Even if you can of course argue that Immel is a tragic case, a fallen star who never arrived in normal life after his soccer career.
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