Ex-Bayern president Hoeness released from jail

Hoeness was released from prison on parole on Monday midway through a three-and-a-half-year sentence for tax evasion, the Bavarian Ministry of Justice has confirmed.

Hoeness was released the night before the scheduled February 29 date to spare the 64-year-old the attention of the media.

The 1974 World Cup-winner was convicted in March 2014 and sent to prison the following June having evaded €28.5million in taxes - a figure finally acknowledged by his legal team after Hoeness was initially charged with attempting to evade €3.5m.

It remains to be seen if he returns to Bayern and, if so, in what capacity.

Having made over 300 appearances as a player for the club, he served as sporting director for 30 years before assuming the role of president in 2009.