What happened at RWE after much discussion seems impossible in Cologne. Here, 1. FC Köln must learn that its plans are almost impossible with the current government.

In Essen, the CDU, SPD, FDP, EBB, AfD, Licht, and “Die Partei” parties overruled the veto of the Greens and the Left Party and approved the stadium expansion.

Rot-Weiss Essen will have the four remaining corners expanded, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026. What is possible in Essen seems impossible in Cologne. For years, there has been a battle between 1. FC Köln and politicians, which is now continuing. What is it about? The FC would like to build on the Gleueler Wiese. Specifically, it is about another building and additional playing fields in the immediate vicinity of the Geißbockheim. But Cologne’s politicians have been putting obstacles in the FC’s way for years. This time, the focus is on the council group “Klima Freunde & Gut” (Climate Friends & Good), which submitted a motion entitled “Permanent protection of the Gleueler Wiesen” just a few hours before the council meeting on Thursday (July 3, 2025, 2 p.m.). The motion proposes that the land be leased to the environmental association BUND for 30 years.

According to the “Express” newspaper, the Greens, the CDU and their coalition partner Volt are also expected to approve the motion. Much to the dismay of the people of Cologne.

In a statement on its website, FC Cologne expressed its shock. “I am deeply shocked that politicians are talking to us about solutions while at the same time apparently unwilling to resolutely oppose such obstacles that have been constructed at such short notice. I consider it a tactical foul to try in such a perfidious manner to preempt the legal review by the Higher Administrative Court in Münster, which we expect by the end of the year,” said FC managing director Philipp Türoff.

We will resolutely oppose all party political and personal interests in the campaign leading up to the local elections and exhaust all legal options to ensure that the expansion of the Geißbockheim goes ahead.

Werner Wolf

Following the ruling of the Federal Administrative Court in the appeal instance on April 24, 2024, the development plan on the basis of which 1. FC Köln wishes to construct another building and additional playing fields in the immediate vicinity of the Geißbockheim remains in force. “Following this latest attempt by Cologne politicians to put obstacles in the way of 1. FC Köln, we have lost all faith in constructive cooperation. I am speechless at the audacity with which attempts are being made to ignore the ruling of the Federal Administrative Court and to circumvent the jurisdiction by other means,” said FC President Dr. Werner Wolf.

“This approach should also give all Cologne residents pause for thought. But one thing is clear: we will resolutely oppose all party political and personal interests in the run-up to the local elections and exhaust all legal options to realize the expansion at the Geißbockheim.”