Juergen Kiessling had coordinated the city of Berlin's World Cup activities for many years and was credited with creating the hugely popular fan mile at the Brandenburg Gate where millions of fans watched matches on giant television screens.

Kiessling, a 64-year-old widower, was found by emergency services at his house early on Monday. Local newspapers reported he had left two suicide notes. He had a 15-year-old daughter and adult son.