Cologne's junior player Jaka Cuber Potocnik celebrates his goal. © Herbert Bucco/dpa
For the time being, 1. FC Köln is allowed to sign new players again. The International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has suspended the transfer ban imposed by FIFA for the time being. For how long, is open.
Cologne - The International Court of Arbitration for Sport Cas has suspended the transfer ban against 1. FC Köln until the appeal ruling, according to the Bundesliga football club. "This means that FC is able to act in preparation for the 2023/24 season," the Cologne club announced on Friday evening. It is "not yet possible to predict" when the appeal ruling can be expected.
The background to this is the transfer dispute between FC and NK Olimpija Ljubljana over striker talent Jaka Cuber Potocnik. At the end of March, FIFA, the world governing body, imposed a transfer ban for two transfer periods and a fine due to alleged misconduct by the Bundesliga club when signing the 17-year-old young striker in January 2022. On the other hand, both Cologne and the Slovenian club, which is demanding higher compensation, and Potocnik himself were brought before the Cas.
"The transfer ban against FC will not take effect for the time being after the suspension of the penalty by the Cas," wrote the Cologne. "The same applies to the verdict against Jaka Potocnik. The young striker's four-month suspension will also be suspended."
FC managing director Christian Keller said the decision was "important for us. Now we can become active in the transfer market within the scope of our limited possibilities due to economic consolidation." However, the club knows "that the penalty suspension is only a first step towards preventing the transfer ban. We will therefore continue to work hard to completely avert the FIFA ruling."
The signing of Leart Paqarada (28), which took place at the beginning of January, has been maintained. The left-back will be allowed to move from FC St. Pauli to Cologne in the summer and will also be eligible to play. Dpa
