FC managing director Christian Keller at the Mainz game. (Photo: Bucco)
1. FC Cologne is expecting the CAS verdict in the Potocnik case soon – and with it the certainty as to whether reinforcements can be hired for the relegation battle in the winter. As is well known, the top priority is to find another striker.
For 1. FC Köln it could happen any day. After the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced an appeal decision “probably” this year, Christian Keller confirmed on the sidelines of the Mainz game DAZN: “I expect the verdict to come in the next few weeks.”
The big question remains: Will the transfer ban in the Jaka Cuber Potocnik case be lifted, shortened to a transfer period or will the one-year sanction imposed by FIFA in March remain. Keller looks forward to the verdict with hope: “I am guided by the facts that are on the table. The situation is such that we think we have a good starting position. Ultimately, the CAS will give the verdict.”
How much transfer budget does FC have?
And since this is scheduled to happen this year, all efforts to provide winter reinforcements could evaporate. As is well known, those responsible are looking in the attack, on the six and in the central defense – without the claim that three new ones will actually come. Because Keller does not want his most recent statement, “that it would be good for us if we were to further stabilize our axis,” to be understood as an announcement for three transfers at the same time.
Such a feat would probably only be possible if the scenario heavily criticized by Steffen Baumgart actually occurred and FC sold another regular player – like Dejan Ljubicic – in the winter. The situation is likely to be similar with the transfer budget Sky throws into the room: If one could oblige “absolute emergency aid”, up to six million euros would be available.
Keller: “Conversations can be irrelevant”
The pay-TV broadcaster names Benelux and Scandinavia as target markets – although Baumgart recently expressed the desire for players with Bundesliga experience. As has already been reported several times, the top priority is another attacker. The zero number against Mainz once again impressively underlined the need for this. Without sales, the Cologne budget would probably amount to around three million euros, which Keller would have had available to him last summer, as he said in the GEISSBLOG interview.
But first we need to be certain whether the FC will be allowed to make transfers in the winter. Keller is conducting the current discussions with “complete transparency, openness and honesty” regarding the outstanding CAS ruling. The Cologne sports director explained on Sunday: “The situation is always addressed and the current status is communicated. Also this uncertainty that we don’t know whether the verdict will come this year. Of course, conversations we have can sometimes be irrelevant. On the other hand, our job is to always plan in scenarios and that’s what we do. One scenario is a ban, one scenario is not a ban – and then we’ll see what happens.” He himself still believes in an acquittal.
2023-12-12 17:05:25
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