Germany accused of doping in 1954 World Cup

(GETTY IMAGES)

West Germany's 1954 World Cup-winning team, feted as the men who helped put a nation back on its feet after the Second World War, may have been boosted by a secret doping programme, according to a new university study.

Germany beat favourites Hungary 3-2 in the final in Switzerland – a victory that became known as the "Miracle of Berne".

"There are several strong indications that point to the injection of [methamphetamine] Pervitin in some Germany players and not vitamin C as it was claimed," said Erik Eggers, who led the study at Humboldt University in Berlin.