RUSTENBURG, South Africa — As if getting undressed by Germany in a 4-1 defeat that was its worst in a World Cup wasn’t bad enough, the English players had clothing and other articles stolen from their hotel rooms.
Cleaning staff at the luxury hotel where England stayed in Rustenburg stole uniform shirts, a medal and even underwear from players, police said Monday.
Police spokeswoman Junior Metsi said little cash was taken — about $750. The thieves instead seemed interested in souvenirs, such as a U.S. uniform shirt an England player received in the customary postmatch trade. A medal awarded by FIFA and underwear also disappeared in a spree police say began June 21.
The thefts were not reported until Saturday. Metsi said police solved the case within a day, searching the homes of hotel staff.
The Associated Press
