Cologne's 1. FC Köln has spoken out against the plans of Fifa President Gianni Infantino. The sports director Thomas Kessler and finance director Philipp Türoff have spoken out against the commercialization of football. "These World Cups are for the people. But if we see that only privileged people can attend the tournament, who have a very thick wallet, and now also investors are being brought in to make the whole thing even more lucrative and fill it with even more money – then the wheel will be turned much more than just over," said Kessler. "Football should not be taken away from the people," he added. Philipp Türoff supports Kessler and said: "Economic development is important, but it should never lead to the football being taken away from the people who have made it great in the first place." The bosses of Cologne's 1. FC Köln seem to see it the same way. The next match segment is approaching: Cologne's 1. FC Köln will face FSV Mainz 05 on December 19, 2026 (away).