Koln handed two-window transfer ban by FIFA

Koln have been handed a two window transfer ban by FIFA, which is set to be appealed by the club. If the ban stands, then the Bundesliga side will not be allowed to register any new players in the 2023/24 season. 

The news comes after centre-forward Jaka Cuber Potocnik signed for the club, only a day after terminating his U17 contract with Olimpija Ljubljana. As a result, the young forward was registered as a free agent with no transfer fee involved. 

Koln handed two window transfer ban by FIFA 

“The defendant is prohibited from registering new players, be it at national or international level, for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods after the delivery of the present decision,” sources told BILD at the sentencing.

The ban is expected to apply to the club across all levels, not only the first team. Koln have not responded to the transfer ban either, and are taking their time before formulating a concrete response. 

Previously, Chelsea famously had to serve a transfer ban under Frank Lampard in 2019/20. They were not allowed to sign any players that season, and they went on to splurge in the coming year which saw them win the Champions League. Manchester City were hit with similar restrictions, but the decision was overturned following an appeal.