1. FC Köln is not only the largest sports club in the city, but also one of the clubs with the richest tradition in Germany. As a founding member of the Bundesliga, the club has established itself in the top division for decades and celebrated great successes, including three German championships and four DFB Cup victories. With its deep roots in the city and its passionate fan base, the “Effzeh” is an important ambassador for social values.
“FC Köln not only embodies sporting tradition, but also the openness and joie de vivre that characterize Cologne as a city,” explains Marcus Urban, co-founder of Diversero. “The fact that a club with this charisma is committed to ‘Sports Free’ is a strong signal for soccer and society as a whole.”
With this step, 1. FC Köln shows that sporting success and social commitment are not mutually exclusive, but go hand in hand. The support for “Sports Free” is an important boost for the visibility of queer athletes in professional sport – and a clear message that diversity is welcome on and off the pitch.
