Ex-Madrid star steps down as club chief after 'child pornography' investigation

Former Germany defender Christoph Metzelder has stepped down as president of his boyhood club TuS Haltern after he was questioned by police as part of an investigation into distribution of child pornography.

The club released the news in a statement today, as computer equipment of Metzelder's was confiscated during two raids of his home this week - Metzelder himself was not arrested.

The former Real Madrid defender was taking part in a coaching course at the famous Hennef sports school in the Rhine when police came and confiscated his phone.

'The accused is alleged to have sent to a (female) recipient in Hamburg pictures with child pornographic content through the communication platform WhatsApp,' Hamburg state prosecutor's office said.

Metzelder could not be reached for comment but his club, who play in the fourth division, said in a statement: 'Until everything is cleared up with the ongoing investigation the former international will leave all his posts at TuS Haltern.'

Metzelder, a Bundesliga champion with Borussia Dortmund, also played for Schalke and Real Madrid.

He was a World Cup runner-up in 2002 and won 47 caps for his country - he also played in the 2006 World Cup.

Metzelder had been chairman at Haltern since 2014.