Overview

• Thomas Kessler, former goalkeeper and interim Sportdirektor, has signed a contract to serve as 1. FC Köln’s permanent Sportdirektor until 2027.
• Kessler’s appointment follows the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga under interim coach Friedhelm Funkel, who led the team to victory in its final two matches.
• The head-coach position remains undecided, with Funkel’s continuation open and Urs Fischer reportedly under consideration as an external candidate.
• Kessler’s immediate priorities include resolving the coaching vacancy and advancing squad planning to ensure Bundesliga competitiveness.
• The club has yet to decide whether it will reappoint a Sport-Geschäftsführer or restructure its leadership model following Christian Keller’s dismissal.