FC Köln: Financial turn brings hope for resuscitation!

The 1. FC Köln has made an important turn in its financial situation. Managing Director Christian Keller reported that the association has overcome its financial crisis and is now in an economically healthy situation. In the coming summer, all long -term liabilities should be repaid except for a single -digit million amount. The association is financially better than in many years.

Keller emphasizes that the club had been in the past several times shortly before insolvency and bankruptcy. Massive liquidity gaps and high debt, which almost led to the balance sheet over -indebtedness, shaped the past few years. In the past two and a half years, however, the 1st FC Köln has reduced significantly liabilities. Despite the relegation from the Bundesliga, the association is able to repay existing liabilities on time and sees itself well positioned for the near future financially, organizationally and infrastructure. Keller expressed hope that fans can be proud of FC again in 2025 and would like a direct return.

Current financial situation

In addition, the association presented positive business figures for the 2022/23 season. The profit amounts to a double -digit million amount, and the equity is over 15 million euros. However, CFO Philipp Türoff made it clear that this money is not freely available because it has already been used to repay liabilities. The association's debt is around 80 million euros consisting of various liabilities and obligations.

As of June 30, 2022, the liabilities were still 66 million euros, while on June 30, 2023 they dropped to 50.5 million euros. At the same time, the obligations of around 14 million euros could be reduced to around 4 million euros. The liabilities include a private loan of 5 million euros as well as a fan bond, a regional guarantee and equipment lines. Türoff announced that no further sponsorship income from the future should be preferred. From the 2024/25 season, all income for the current financial year should be available. FC plans to invest over 10 million euros annually in debt repayment, while pleasure rights of around 8 million euros have to be repaid, which also burdens the equity. In addition, the association invested around 7 million euros in the infrastructure at the Geißbockheim.

Although the special effects from the 2022/23 season, such as European participation and transfer income, will be missing in the 2023/24 season, the debt repayment remains dependent on the assumption that FC remains in the Bundesliga. Türoff made it clear that there is also a plan B for the second division.