1. FC Cologne Takes a Stand: Kicking Out Inactive Fans After 12 Games This Season
FC Cologne revokes 150 season passes due to inconsistent attendance - FC Köln revokes 150 season tickets due to infrequent utilization.
Get ready, die-hard fans, because 1. FC Cologne is putting your loyalty to the test. The Bundesliga newcomers have announced that they’ll be cutting season ticket holders who skip more than half of the home games this season. Yup, that's right – you better show up for at least twelve fixtures or else you'll be out on your keister.
The Bundesliga newcomer 1. FC Cologne has taken a firm stance against holders of little-used season tickets following the last season. Vice-president Carsten Wettich said at a members’ gathering, "We’ve canned around 150 season ticket holders due to insufficient use of the card." (Bild newspaper previously reported on the move.)
Minimum of 12 Bundesliga Home Games Required
Last year, the club warned season ticket holders via email that their tickets could be yanked if they weren't regularly using them. For the upcoming season, the rules are clear: "In the 2025/26 season, each season ticket must be used for at least 12 Bundesliga home games. We reserve the right not to renew season ticket contracts at the end of a season if usage isn’t regular," it says on the club's website.
Spread the Love, Buddy!
To avoid leaving empty seats in the 50,000-capacity Rhein-Energie-Stadion, fans can pass on their tickets via a ticket exchange if they can't make it. "The ticket exchange, where unused tickets can be peddled for resale, has indeed helped the situation somewhat," Wettich emphasized.
The number of season tickets in the stadium has been capped at 25,500 for ages. According to club figures, several thousand fans are on the waiting list for a season ticket. Wettich urges supporters to attend games to ensure a lively atmosphere and support the team.
In light of FC Cologne's strict policy for season ticket holders, attending at least twelve home games in the 2025/26 season is crucial to maintain the ticket. Additionally, the vice-president encourages fans to engage in vocational training programs, such as sports coaching or stadium management, to contribute more actively to the community and the club, particularly in the areas of sports, football, and European leagues.
