Delay in CAS Hearings Could Impact 1. FC Köln’s Transfer Plans

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced its schedule for hearings on various sports cases, but notably missing from the list is the case involving 1. FC Köln, Olimpija Ljubljana, and Jaka Cuber Potocnik. This development has raised concerns for FC Köln, as it suggests that the case may not be resolved until Christmas.

1. FC Köln had been eagerly anticipating July 1st, 2023, as it would mark the completion of four transfers made by the club. However, the transfer ban imposed by FIFA is currently suspended by CAS, providing some relief for the club. Despite this, FC Köln is not overly concerned about the current transfer period in summer 2023, as they do not expect the CAS hearings to take place before October.

The updated list of scheduled hearings published by CAS does not include the case of 1. FC Köln, indicating that the club’s case may not be heard until October or later. This would secure the entire transfer period in the summer of 2023 for FC Köln. The club has successfully obtained an extension of the deadline for the written exchange of facts, further delaying the proceedings.

The parties involved in the case, including the two clubs and the player side, are currently in the written procedure phase, exchanging crucial information for the verdict. It remains unclear whether the two clubs could potentially reach an agreement to avoid a ban for FC Köln and provide more compensation to Ljubljana.

The written exchange is expected to last until July 17th, after which all documents will be sent to CAS for further processing. The legal process is still ongoing, and no hearings or judgments will take place until then.

The hearings for the case may not occur until October 2023 or even later. The most recently scheduled case, set for September 26 to 29, 2023, involves the doping case of Kamila Valieva. This case was registered by CAS on February 24, 2023, and dates back to a judgment made on December 14, 2022. In comparison, the case of 1. FC Köln was registered by CAS two months later, on April 24, 2023, and stems from a FIFA ruling on February 1, 2023. If this timeline is maintained, no hearings are expected before November 2023, possibly even December 2023.

This delay would be detrimental to FC Köln, as a verdict shortly after the end of the summer transfer window would have provided clarity for the future. However, a verdict just before the start of the 2023/24 winter transfer period would leave the club in limbo for months, unsure if they can sign players in January 2024. This would be a disadvantage for FC Köln, as it would prolong the uncertainty that the club has already experienced in April and May.

In conclusion, the absence of the 1. FC Köln, Olimpija Ljubljana, and Jaka Cuber Potocnik case from the CAS schedule suggests that the resolution may not occur until Christmas, causing further delays and uncertainty for FC Köln.

How does the extension of FIFA’s transfer ban suspension impact FC Köln’s ability to complete their planned transfers in the summer of 2023?

Ension of FIFA’s transfer ban, allowing them to participate in the summer transfer window. However, concerns are now arising about the length of time it may take for the CAS to reach a decision on the case.

1. FC Köln had been eagerly awaiting the resolution of their case, as it would determine whether they could complete the four transfers they had planned for July 1st, 2023. While the club is relieved that CAS has suspended FIFA’s transfer ban, they are now facing the possibility of a lengthy wait until their case is heard.

The absence of their case from the recently announced schedule of CAS hearings suggests that the club may have to wait until October, or even later, for a resolution. This timeline could potentially extend until Christmas, which is causing concerns for 1. FC Köln.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the timing of the CAS hearings, FC Köln is not overly concerned about the current summer transfer period. They do not expect the hearings to take place before October, and with the suspension of the transfer ban, the club can actively participate in player signings and other transfer activities.

Securing the entire summer transfer window in 2023 is seen as crucial for FC Köln’s plans, and the extension of FIFA’s transfer ban suspension provides some reassurance. The club will continue to closely monitor the progress of their case and prepare for any upcoming hearings.

Overall, while the absence of their case from the CAS schedule raises concerns about potential delays, FC Köln remains optimistic that they will be able to proceed with their planned transfers in the summer of 2023.