Swiss prosecutors regret German FIFA inquiry publication

BERN, Switzerland (AP) Swiss federal prosecutors investigating FIFA say their work could be harmed by an inquiry report published in Germany, which risks helping suspects or witnesses collude.

Earlier Friday, the German soccer federation released a 380-page document detailing an independent law firm's investigation of irregular payments linking 2006 World Cup officials to FIFA.

A payment of 6.7 million euros ($7.3 million) by the German federation to FIFA in 2005 is also part of a wide-ranging Swiss investigation of FIFA. Criminal proceedings have already been opened against former FIFA president Sepp Blatter for separate allegations of financial misconduct.

Switzerland's attorney general's office says ''publication of respective reports does increase the risk of collusion.''

In a statement to The Associated Press, the Swiss federal office ''deeply regrets'' publication of the German inquiry report.