Belarus, with its ruler Alexander Lukashenko, is one of the few states that are loyal to Russia despite the war of aggression against Ukraine. If those responsible at 1. FC Köln have their way, this will also have consequences for the Belarusian football teams that play in Europe. Because in a letter available to stern, the club management of 1. FC Köln demands from Uefa President Aleksander Čeferin that the Belarusian teams be excluded from European competitions.
"Among other things, 1. FC Köln is committed to liberality, diversity and peaceful coexistence. In connection with the Ukraine war, we therefore strongly condemn the openly communicated closeness of the Belarusian government to Russia and the associated attitude of Belarus .Beklarus' massive support of the Russian incursion war on Ukraine violates not only the values and norms of 1. FC Köln, but those of the sport as a whole, which is why we urge Uefa to comply with the recommendation of the IOC International Olympics Committee; editor's note) to comply and to exclude not only the Russian teams but also the teams from Belarus from all European competitions with immediate effect."
Specifically, the Cologne team is concerned with FK BATE Borissow, FK Homel, FK Schachzjor Salihorsk and FK Dinamo Minsk, who, like 1. FC Köln, are playing for qualification for the Europe Conference League. The playoffs begin in August. The decision to hold the games against Belarusian teams on neutral ground is not enough in the eyes of those responsible in Cologne.
With a 7th place in the 2021/22 Bundesliga season, 1. FC Köln can hope to qualify for the Conference League - and thus, in addition to a return to the European football stage, also hope for additional income. Uefa has not yet responded to the letter from Cologne.
