The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed the sexual harassment charges against former Bundesliga referee Manfred Amerell and said criminal action hadn't been ruled out.

The DFB said in a press release Tuesday that several additional people had spoken on the record about past alleged harassments by the former official.

"After reviewing the report, it has become clear that due to these further allegations, this was not an isolated case," said the statement. The DFB said it would be up to the alleged victims to decide whether or not to bring criminal charges against Amerell.

The soccer body said as a consequence of the charges, it plans to establish a commission to fully review the administration of its referee development program.

"We want a strong refereeing program, so that misconduct cannot be systematically swept under the carpet," said DFB President Theo Zwanziger.

Amerell resigned from his position last week following charges that he allegedly sexually harassed a younger colleague. Amerell has strongly denied the charges, calling it instead a close personal friendship.


cmk/AP/dpa/SID
Editor: Andreas Illmer