Due to the circumstances surrounding the signing of U19 striker Jaka Cuber Potocnik, world association FIFA has, according to media reports, imposed a transfer ban on Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln.
According to media reports, the Rhinelanders will not be allowed to sign any players in the next two transfer periods – i.e. next summer and winter. This was reported by “Bild” and “Sky Sports” on Wednesday afternoon. The club has not yet commented on the report.
Jaka Cuber Potocnik (middle/blue jersey) in the A-Junior Bundesliga West.
The background to the severe punishment is the circumstances surrounding the commitment of U19 striker Jaka Cuber Potocnik. The Cologne team had signed the 17-year-old last year and thus caused trouble. Although it was not a transfer for the first team, the ban is reported to affect the whole club.
Suspension for Potocnik, payment to Ljubljana
Cologne are also likely to have to pay 54,000 euros to Potocnik’s former Slovenian club Olimpija Ljubljana. Young hope Potocnik should also be blocked for four months with immediate effect.
The player had prematurely terminated his U17 contract in Ljubljana on January 30, 2022, so FC did not have to pay a fee. Just one day later he is said to have signed in the Rhineland.
Cologne is said to have instigated Potocnik
The Slovenians claimed that Cologne instigated the then 16-year-old Potocnik to switch and defended themselves at FIFA. Originally, the club even wanted a transfer fee of 2.5 million euros and around 70,000 euros in damages.
Cologne can appeal the verdict to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS within 21 days and is currently examining appropriate steps.
