The CAS ruling, according to which 1. FC Köln is not allowed to sign new players in the next two transfer periods, also has an impact on the U21s in the Regionalliga West. The penalty also affects the FC reserve, which is also not allowed to register new players until January 2025.
In the Regionalliga West, 1. FC Köln II winters in fourth place. In the remaining round, however, the placement will probably take a back seat. IMAGO/Beautiful Sports
“We are disappointed and expected it to be different,” said coach Evangelos Sbonias, commenting on the CAS verdict, but at the same time emphasized: “Of course we were prepared for this scenario and are now pulling the relevant plans out of the drawer. We have to do everything we can now bundle, every challenge also presents an opportunity.”
The short-term consequence of the verdict is that the U21s’ dreams of promotion may have been dashed. The FC reserves are currently eight points behind league leaders 1. FC Bocholt – but could theoretically shorten the gap with a win in the direct duel at the start of the winter break.
However, promotion to the 3rd league under the changed conditions following the CAS ruling would be tantamount to an unmanageable feat. The squad could not be adequately strengthened after making the jump to professional football – especially since gaps have to be closed first.
Heard Hoger auf?
Because it can be ruled out that Justin Diehl, the life insurance company, will remain on the offensive. The striker may even leave the club in January. However, the FC is not allowed to sign a replacement. In addition, it is unclear for captain Marco Höger whether the veteran will be able to return to the pitch after his knee problems. Höger’s contract also ends at the end of the season – it is quite possible that the 34-year-old will have to hang up his football boots in the summer. This would create a second serious hole in the squad that FC cannot close.
The main focus for the U21s after the winter break should therefore be on giving their own talents more match practice. Sbonias is also likely to increasingly use those youngsters who will move up from their own U19s to senior football in the summer. It is also quite possible that even the two 17-year-old U-17 world champions of 1. FC Köln, Fayssal Harchaoui and Justin von der Hitz, will be rewarded with their first appearances in the Regionalliga West in the coming months.
17 contracts are expiring
All of this is possible without any risk, as the extremely strong interim balance of 32 points ensures that the team will no longer be in danger of relegation. Sbonias can therefore work safely with his team on individual development.
Off the pitch, Cologne’s sports director Christian Keller and NLZ director Lukas Berg have hard work to do, as 17 contracts from the current squad expire on June 30th. A large proportion of these players must be retained in order to be able to form a competitive team in the 2024/25 season following the CAS ruling. Despite the impressive first half of the season, 1. FC Köln has a lot ahead of them after Christmas.
2023-12-22 18:27:13
#Köln #CAS #ruling #shattered #dreams #U21s
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