1. FC Cologne is looking for a new board. It is becoming increasingly clear that the committee responsible for this search is not thinking about the incumbent presidency.
The statutes of 1. FC Köln say it clearly: The highest task of the members’ council is the right to propose a new board. Every three years, this committee is allowed to select a team to shape the future of the club. After two terms in office with President Werner Wolf and Vice Presidents Eckhard Sauren and Carsten Wettich, everything looks as if the Members Council will propose a new trio.
On Wednesday evening, the Members’ Council invited people to the Rheinenergiestadion. Around 200 interested FC members came because this was exactly the process that was supposed to be about: How does the club’s twelve-member committee select a new leadership? According to what criteria? And what role does the current board of directors around Wolf still play?
1. FC Cologne: Dispute between the board and the members’ council is imminent
The member councils answered the last question cautiously and diplomatically on Wednesday evening. “If the active board wants to, we will sit down together. We will talk to everyone who is interested,” said Victor Robertz, a lawyer who has been a member of the committee since this year. A cautious, but also profound answer, which is preceded by important information: So far, Wolf, Sauren and Wettich have not signaled to the members’ council that the trio would even be available for another term of office.
However, it has long been an open secret that the incumbent Presidium sees itself as ideally suited for a third term in office and is convinced that what has been achieved so far should actually be sufficient. This is what the board said in a newsletter to members in November.
“The FC is close to the measures taking effect. We have a unique opportunity to lead the entire club sustainably into a better future. In our view, it is all the more important to maintain continuity in as many key positions as possible and to continue on the path we have chosen “, it said there.
Board of Directors of 1. FC Cologne: Initial discussions are already underway
The reference to the necessary continuity can undoubtedly be understood as an indirect request to the members’ council to nominate the board again. But he doesn’t seem to be thinking about that. On the contrary: it was emphasized again and again on Wednesday evening how important it was to find different qualities for the board than before. At the top of the priority list: football competence, empathy and communication. “We have to learn from our mistakes and find the best possible board,” said Fabian Schwab meaningfully as chairman of the members’ council.
The schedule is now on the table: The profile for the three positions to be filled is currently being finalized, and the regulars’ meeting on Wednesday evening and the exchange with the around 200 members should also contribute to this. “We will hold the first discussions with candidates at the beginning of next year,” said Robertz. It is also an open secret that the first conversations in the background began long ago. And then, ideally, the new board should be in place and proposed before the summer break.
The statutes stipulate that the members must be informed of the members’ council’s proposal by August 15th at the latest. But the committee doesn’t want to wait that long. Also out of fairness to other teams who want to compete as well. This could also include Wolf and Co., provided they are not actually nominated by the Members’ Council. They would then have to aim for a fighting vote and would need the support of three percent of the entire membership – i.e. over 4,000 FC members.
If Wolf, Sauren and Wettich actually also run for office, there could be something new at FC in autumn 2025. Because Dieter Prestin, one of the old internationals from the 1970s or 1980s, is also warming up to running for office in the background.
This year he failed to have the incumbent board voted out early. Apparently Preston wants to know again in 2025. He has no chance of being elected by the Members’ Council. He would also have to collect over 4,000 votes to be nominated. So it could be a hot election campaign year for FC.