Franz Beckenbauer has threatened to resign as president of Germany’s 2006 World Cup organising committee over arguments with FIFA in the build-up to the event.

Beckenbauer has accused the game’s governing body of being preoccupied with maximising profits from VIP guests.

“I fear that it might come down to a major confrontation with FIFA,” the former World Cup-winning captain and coach told Kicker magazine.

“FIFA’s main goal is to make money and all the rest is secondary,” said Beckenbauer.

“We do not want to be held responsible for what we have no influence on,” he said.

“We will not let that happen. I will not. I would rather quit. I would make my position available.

“This is a warning to Zurich (the city whhere FIFA is based).”